If you're not going back and the area is stagnant or less, then those are reasons to sell and buy somewhere else.Personally, I like closer rentals as contrasted to long distance rentals.Obviously re values in WV are different than SF. 

thanks Boris for your insight and experience. this contrasts with what i've read elsewhere, ie, something about 'anything other than 1st months rent' is considered a security deposit in CA.in a particular upcoming temp rental situation, want first and last month to be prepaid, in order to establish an initial 2-month minimum term, prepaid, and month-to-month thereafter. 

I like to contrast the countertop with a darker tone.  

Becky, I like that look of contrast of black laminate and cool white walls.

Unfortunately there is a severe shortage of townhouses, which seem to be the best kind of rental unit here, in contrast to previous years when there have been plenty available around Christmas.

My contrasting point here is that if I do manage to find a good deal, all but the most expensive homes (320-350k) I would be able to handle the mortgage without finding a single renter. 

Contrast that to Honolulu, and it seems like the average 1-bed is around $1300.

I think you also answered my follow-up question regarding comparing/contrasting an Indie market to the WDC/NOVA where I will likely move in circa 3 years. 

As far as defining class A~D neighborhoods in Indy, I think getting familiar with as many neighborhoods as possible and then comparing and contrasting them helps me.

It was extremely frustrating weeding out all the ones that have hidden fees in their management contracts or think they deserve a month's rent just to find a tenant (which means they make more money if tenant leaves, in contrast to my goals).