Yes, unfortunately only midterm, furnished rentals in the nicer parts of the city will get you over that $1000/mo hump if thats your goal.

There are other, more ambitious, risky, and difficult, ways you could achieve the same end goal.

This year for 2025 my wife and I have made it a goal to improve our financial literacy to purchase another investment property.

Trust me, I have been there.I suggest you try to House hack in cities that you are already familiar with and have some connection with.Hire a great investor agent in that market and ask them all your questions and concerns.That I believe is the best way to get personalized advice tailored to your goals and lifestyle.You giving out Cleeveland and Toledo on your post will only attract biased opinions and advise.Only you know what you truly like, want, and can deal with.As Nicolas said, read this post and comments and hope that gives you a new perspective. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/1215726-break...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/963/topics/1195280-expe...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1137397-balti...Goodluck and keep us posted.

So I guess id say my venue dream is on the back burner while I accomplish a few other goals in the meantime. 

Stick with this and keep your goal of becoming an investor.  

My goal would be primarily cash flow rather than appreciation unless there's a property with a good chance of flip. 

Once I reached that goal, the drive for the next one felt just as strong.Reminder to enjoy the journey and that it’s not about the destination.Every goal you reach, you will enjoy it for a short time, then be on to the next one.How do you balance striving to do better and for more while understanding that it will never be enough?

Hey @Kirk Roberts that sounds like a great long term goal!

If you ever want to connect and trade thoughts on your goals, I'd love to do that.