National and local economic factors can definitely impact real estate. 

Seems a lot of diff factors that affect any holding strategy up there so we are leaning more on the fix n flip side first, then we’ll look into STRs as we learn more about the area!

All these factors suggest a strong and stable market for years to come.  

IMO, pool tables, ping pong and air hockey are tired, you must have a wow factor of some sort.

They love saving on fees and taxes and love you for it too. 

You should have PM contracts between your PM LLC and your asset-holding entities or yourself - and you can charge a PM fee that will generate self-income.

I would pay an option fee of $50,000 up front. 

Whether it is purchased from a 3rd party or self-produced does not seem to be a factor. 

And you are right, it is a big risk betting on the appreciation.Our strategy to wait to buy the bigger house originated from the multiple factors (interest rates, inflated prices, no need for moving just for elementary school and unstable professional life).

@Abigail Rodriguez There's a handful of Philadelphia based "Gurus" who collect  mentorship fees from new investors and feed off the exact rhetoric you just wrote.