If you find yourself in a similar situation, I highly recommend exploring the gift of equity deals and using sweat equity for renovations.

As a person who has lived in NC & SC and Phoenix, I would highly suggest AZ.

Additionally, high-income earners with modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) over $250,000 (married filing jointly) may be subject to the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT).For 2025, bonus depreciation is at 40%, so consider leveraging it for eligible property assets like appliances or fixtures to accelerate deductions.

Phoenix contains a rare combination of elements that have created an outstanding market for distressed property investments, including the following:Cost Savings: Distressed properties are sold below their market value and enable investors to take hold of properties at a trifle compared to traditionally listed properties.Strong Market Fundamentals: Being among the fastest-growing cities in the country, Phoenix ensures a high demand in housing and rentals, hence good potential for resale or income from rentals.Value Creation Opportunities: Most distressed properties need renovations; thus, such situations present opportunities for investors to increase equity by adding value.Population and Economic Growth: Phoenix remains among those cities in the country which are attracting more and more residents and business; therefore, this presents good, long-term appreciation possibilities of property appreciation and income creation.Challenges to ConsiderWhile the rewards can be great, distressed property investment is not without its challenges.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

OP, keep in mind not having access to heating and sharing same water heater and etc will require an easygoing tenant in the nextgen.

BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

While having high standards is important, it's worth considering that many Section 8 tenants might not meet requirements like a 640 credit score or $90,000 in household income.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.