absolutely... but be careful... be smart in what you invest in... trust me my friend https://www.biggerpockets.com/...take warning ... be smart... be vigilant

"A smart person learns from his mistakes, but a truly wise person learns from the mistakes of others" - Ken Schramm

A smart seller will have note, deed of trust/mortgage/etc. prepared by a local real estate attorney (yes, he/she may work with/at the title company) and be sure the security instrument is properly recorded in the land records. 

It's better to invest into insulation and possibly a new HVAC system than solar.How do you survive using just a flip-phone and not a smart phone?

Switching property managers seems like it was a smart move, especially with how much you and your wife had to step in before.Chicago definitely isn’t an easy market, but it sounds like you’re set up for better success moving forward.

But, if they are using RE as a wealth savings device, that is ok with me.

Sell it now if you are smart.

Many people in tech with tons of smarts and funding have also tried to do what you are trying to do. 

in the business world, i doubt a company will "park" they cash in the bank earning nothing while paying their debt with interest. there has to be a smart way to pay down debt.

Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas have some great opportunities, and it’s smart to connect with local investors and agents to get a feel for the market.