However, the development is on the wrong side of the highway, hence the lower price.

In my market, this can easily lead to increased home prices, closed transactions that had no inspection where there are a lot of issues that could have been identified by an experienced agent, and a bad taste in the consumer's mouth.  

I too agree that many markets in the midwest have provided a lower barrier to entry given the higher prices inside of the metropolitan areas.

Furthermore, being flexible and adaptive in your real estate transactions may be achieved by creating a contingency plan for both scenarios.

I'm the Tahoe Reno, NV market where the taxes are lower and more landlord friendly.

Lower the rent if need be.

Condos have a lower entry point, but once you factor in condo fees, your costs may not be that much different.  

Costs to get one would be lower too. 

I see agents as just transactional baggage.

Cash $850This journal entry will then be matched to the transaction in your bank feed where you received the monthly payout of $850 from your property manager.