I started out with a house hack, and I would say that that was definitely safe for me when I was in college as I could afford the Mortgage even if my renter didn't pay.

Right now, my focus is on leveraging my degree and skills to land a higher-paying job, increase my annual income, and ultimately grow my net worth.Real estate has always been something I’ve been interested in, and my long-term goal is to start investing in both real estate and retirement to build financial security.

Usually MTR comes fully furnished with utilities included, so you pay for the convenience.if the area has traveling nurses, other professionals that come for a few months for work they normally pay more, in certain cases the employer pays the rent not familiar with that particular market,  but worth looking into it.

I have a buddy who does this for a living on raw land, and he pays for the software and gives us all the data for free.  

The paid off student rental plus the 2nd student rental helps pays off the mortage for 2nd student rentals and living expenses for me and my wife. the duplex was  cash flowing approx  $300 month with the old tenants We manage everything ourselves with some help from our family. 

The long term (since 2000) appreciation for chicago is 3.35%/year.  3.35 * (10/6) = 5.58% return from appreciation.Total return: 5.58% (appreeciation including the leerage) + 2% (cash flow)= 8.58% + equity pay down + tax benefits.I fear your total return does not justify the effort and risk of residential RE.San Diego is a good market for long holds.

Having to go see a piece and pay for transport makes used less attractive. 

My parents had to stop paying the mortgage and I could feel the stress radiating through the home every time I visited.

I've been taking RMDs each year as required, and to think that now I am allowed to empty the remainder of the account and move it into my personal IRA without paying taxes on the distribution.....well, that seems to generouse to be true from the IRS....

We’ll pay to get it fixed that’s not the problem.