Hello Shelly, Good luck on your journey. 

Investors who are active in gathering data on local trends while working with knowledgeable agents are able to pick neighbourhoods poised for growth and also comprehend how to best mitigate their risks as they prepare to maximize their return.Myth 3: Distressed Properties Are in Bad LocationsAnother misconception is that distressed properties only exist in bad neighborhoods.

As we approach 25K active listings on the market, we are starting to see a balancing of Seller and Buyer, and some soft corrections are underway. 

Then, actively track and adjust as need.

I am active duty military and plan to use the property for deployments/holidays for my family to stay near relatives until I separate in 4 years, then to use that property as one of several future investment properties.

Do you still actively buy in the same area?

One who is active still and recently did a case study write up like this is Don Konipol, the other pops on every now and again and did a BP episode many years ago Aaron Mazzrillo so search those two names and read some threads.A more likely scenario is not what you mentioned as the ever growing note/value deal, at least not as outlined.

This would be an easy decision however I do not think you can come close even with you being active in the process.  

This active income can help me fund my retirement as well as help me get reimbursement for home office and health care premium while lower my tax liability.

I’m excited to get started on my real estate journey.