Hey Miles,I am currently in graduate school in MEM for physical therapy, and over the last year or so I've been diving into the real estate world by reading books, researching online, etc.

I have had guests change their physical move in dates at times, and I keep everything the same, for the most part.

Still learning the ropes here so mostly looking for any general pointers on the challenges investing in a different market than where you physically are comes with its own challenges.

The physical environment isn't for everyone, it certainly is not Miami Beach, but it is very Big Sur-esque without the price premium.

With that said, for house hacking, you would obvioulsy need to physically relocate if you were to go this route (whether to Albany or any other similar area). 

@Jagan ReddyThere is physical occupancy versus economic occupancy.

As a workaround, we have a hidden lockbox that the tenant can access if code doesn't work and get a physical key.

Physical investing is a whole different ballgame, you lack the tolerance and understanding of what investing entails.

Mentors for me have come in the form of friendships over time, but honestly, most of them were made at an IN-PERSON MEETUP....there is something about physical energy that makes a huge difference.Happy to connect to share some of my experiences!

Tax (and often even zoning) designation don't change the comps for what it physically exists as.Is a residential appraiser telling you this, or are you basing this assessment only on your own understanding of these classifications?