Whenever I find a job or opportunity in Austin, I plan to move there.  

The pension amount at age 39 is not enough for me to feel comfortable, so my long-term plans are to start a small business and invest in real estate to position myself where I don't even need my pension, and it's just a bonus.

Thanks @Michael Wagner It's definitely intriguing and since I'm in the early stages of my research, doesn't require a total re-think.As of now, we are planning to move to the western NC / Asheville area.

I think it might make more sense for me to continue to rent my current apartment due to the conveniences and being able to walk to work versus moving into one of the units in the multiplex as I had originally planned.

My question is should I already plan to collect the basement rent in a separate bank account or is that not necessary?

Yes I plan to get with the city but trying educate myself to go in prepared.

Whether to buy now or wait hinges on what you're okay with, how you see risks, and what you plan to do.Good luck!

It seems like you're planning things out smartly to succeed.

I am in Missouri right now staying in cheap hotels for work, I got out here a month or two ago and the plan has been to buy a property, preferably a duplex.I did pretty well selling solar last year and have saved up some cash to use as a downpayment for the first property.

I have a plan to buy 1 rental property for every 5 builds that we do.