I understand that it is less than ideal, but it is reality. 

But if your budget is tight or your home only needs minor updates, your real estate agent can help you think outside of the box by suggesting simple DIY staging tips to help your home look its best.Bottom LineStaging your house properly can make it much more attractive to buyers, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and every home shines differently.

I would hesitate to say 1-2 years to rotate out but closer to 5 years, and ideally I'd try to get the downpayment higher to at least 10%.I understand your areas though-- they're expensive.

I think one of the older resorts that still do allow short-term (Airbnb rentals) would fit the bill.

It’s worth researching to see if this might be a good fit for your situation.Lease Structure and Clauses: Work with an attorney to draft a lease with strong clauses for late fees, maintenance responsibilities, and other terms to protect your interests.Target Stable Tenant Profiles: While no tenant is risk-free, targeting tenant pools that historically have more stability (e.g., retirees, dual-income households, or tenants relocating for work) may reduce risk.Stay Up to Date on Landlord-Tenant Laws: Understanding your rights and obligations can help you navigate issues more effectively if they arise.That said, if the potential risks are keeping you up at night and the financial pressure of an eviction would be too much, selling may still be the best option for peace of mind.

@Keegan FelixKansas City and Cleveland are ideal for new real estate investors seeking affordable markets with potential.

Ideally I'm looking to get into flipping so I can build capital first but like I said the deals are few and far between in our area.  

First, define your goals know your target cash flow, ideal property type, and budget.

Ideally, we'd like to acquire one or two duplexes that meet the 1% rule and provide us with $1,000–$2,000 USD per month after property management fees and other expenses.

Ideally I wanted to live in Lake View as that's my dream neighborhood, but I just didn't have the funds/income.