You do potentially get more stable tenants in some far suburbs due to better schools but the rents typically dont proportionately match the higher prices. 

I'm a trucker and retired military.

You should consider investing in RE outside your retirement account as well since there are different tax benefits available.  

Of course the co-signer should be significantly stronger in ALL areas as compared to the applicant...usually this is a parent or relative, and they should be well established, with ownership of real estate for years; long and stable employment; no, or very distant, criminal and traffic court records; well funded SAVINGS/IRA's or stock market accounts.

Maybe if i was 65 and wanted to get away and retire but still meet people, but I viewed it also as not sellable and as you mentioned at this time someone could have bought a piece of land for $50k or less and dropped tiny homes on it and saved 50%.

@Sunny ChenThe Indiana market offers stable cash flow and moderate appreciation, but has limitations such as slower appreciation and limited diversification.

Not only do they lose the retirement balance, but also they incur a 10% premature withdrawal penalty.  

However, I know that I do not want all my income to be reliant on my day job and live to watch my retirement account grow.I am probably doing better than a lot of people my age but am eager to take the correct steps to build a real estate portfolio.

It’s a stable, hands-on way to start and learn property management basics.House Hacking: Live in a multi-unit property and rent out other units or rent out rooms. 

While it doesn't meet the 1% rule it's in a stable, desirable area that'll perform more consistently for you over time so it's worth the tradeoff in my opinion.