They too are choosing to rent for various reasons from enhancing lifestyle to relocating closer to offspring or other family.

Sometimes it's worth just breaking even to retain your peace of mind.

Peace of mind regarding how to move forward;3.

This house is move in ready any construction would be additions/renovation done to enhance housePrice $205,000$7500 seller concession Total loan $212,500Taxes $5500After all other fees added, payment would be $18302 family house 3 br 2 bathUnfinished basementFirst floor 1 br, 1 bathTenant occupied paying $1200 a month2nd floor2 br, 1 bath, walk up attic I will be living in this unitDownfall: bathroom is connected to one bedroom (like a master bathroom) I would need to add a bathroom in the attic directly above the bathroom connected to the bedroom.

Saves you time and give your peace of mind in regards to your concerns.

Maybe they do, but then again maybe they don't.Clearing your debt will give you (and more importantly your wife) peace of mind, allow you to qualify for a mortgage easier, and in a few years time will allow you to begin investing from a position of power, rather than one of weakness.  

From your post it's evident you need to get out now for your own self peace.

Peace, Love, and Happiness!!! 

Purchase Price: $250,000Down Payment: $12,500Maintenance: $7,500 (conservative 1%/yr)Mortgage Interest: $27,753 (4% interest rate)Sales Price: $275,000Fees & Commissions: $27,500Loan Balance: $224,434Net Proceeds: -$12,187 (275k - 27.5k - 224.4k - 7.5k - 27.7k)I love real estate but what most people fail to realize is non-cashflowing real estate is not as great of an investment as you think.If you're only going to be in a city for a short time, keep the flexibility and peace of mind that comes with renting. 

Or look up some dave Ramsey and financial peace university and ask about hey I envision this as our budget, if you can bring in more money we can spend more otherwise this is where we’re at.