The investors that i work with look to theses growing markets of population and jobs to make an investment that both cash flows and will find appreciation.  

On the other hand, I’m hesitant to simply pay down more of a property, as we don’t need the immediate cash flow.Fortunately, both my wife’s job and mine are recession-proof, which allows us to be a bit more aggressive with our investments.I’d really appreciate advice from investors who have experience with frequent moves or military service.

I joined various internet marketing programs and mentorships to find ways to transition from my W2 job.

Without population growth, your rental income will lag behind inflation, requiring you to find additional sources of income.How long your rental income lasts depends on the job growth in the investment city.Non-government jobs are inherently temporary.

Her reasoning is that she put it in her schedule and she could have accepted other cleaning jobs. 

Also, how much time do you want to spend doing real estate vs. your main job or extra work in order to fund it.

I work full time at a decent job, but have quickly learned that I needed to make some changes in my families life by securing our financial future. 

That said, I don't think you can ask for reimbursement unless you would have done the job yourself or they clearly overcharged for the job.Hi Locke!

Definitely high cost of living, where the median home price is nearing $950k.The first year of house hacking the property I cut my mortgage in half.

I have always imagined getting to the point where I could hold/ run a small community of mountain cabin rentals or a guest house, something along those lines.Thanks,Chad  Yes I meant AirBnb and Mid-term rentals, rent by the room, glamping (although I probably wouldn't go that route), buying commercial RE and running a business (for me that would be a lot of work with a W2 job and buying property locally or leasing out a space is expensive here).