It's reassuring to hear it's not a rare nightmare scenario I'm in. I

The only time I'd say it's an okay idea is if either: The area you're investing in is expecting so much appreciation that you will easily profit off that (watch out for mortgage interest though...the appreciation needs to be higher than what you pay in that and expenses to make it profitable)You have some specific reason for wanting to do it- family ties, future home, major long-term hold, etc.Maybe I'm forgetting another one, but those two are all I have for now...

And as you state in other posts, you are in a market with less competition (a city near the airport in the Midwest I believe).  

1 year and a half updateHello everyone I am back for my updates, it has been a great journey so far.

@John Cooper, it sounds like a normal tenant and a difficult landlord.

However, I've come to realize that Utah (the market I'm in) is a non-disclosure state so I can't find data on sales prices.

What neighborhood are you purchasing in?  I

I always try to find better markets to buy in but once I dive in I can't find a better place than where I am at.  

Even with multiple units, with current interest rates and a competitive market (prices have continued to rise even with higher interest rates) think the Madison market is a stronger long term ownership strategy, where the bulk of your return will come when you sell from appreciation in rents and property value. 

@Yun Han what city is your rental in? I