Oceanside and San Diego are both great markets but you have to maneuver the local regulations.

As the title states I am soon to be leaving active duty with the Marine Corps after 8 years and will be moving back the the great state of Wisconsin, Green Bay to be specific.

I may just try to find someone local to pick their brain.

I am licensed as a realtor but do not use my real estate license for realtor activities.

I would network with local investors to gauge their utility bills, pool maintenance, landscaping, cleaning costs...

If my net sale is $300k I would likely use cash out of pocket given the range of local sales in my area and need up to $50k to add to my $300k exchange amount.

I serve Wilmington, and the surrounding counties and along with local beaches.Sherri Ingle

At the end of the day the goal should be to make enough to give you an optimum lifestyle but not go overboard and cause yourself more work/hassle if you don't actually need the additional income that comes from it.Increasing the quality of the area/properties should make it easier management wise and if you don't necessarily need the cash flow now could end up ahead in overall return compared to the lower end areas, especially if you use leverage.I think it depends on your source of active income as well and how long you want to continue doing that for.

@Alicia MarksCan you set up a forum and investing program for active military personnel?  

When deciding between managing your own property or hiring a professional service, consider these key factors: your available time and expertise, knowledge of local regulations, property scale and location, access to reliable maintenance resources, tenant management capabilities, financial implications, emergency responsiveness, and personal preference for hands-on versus delegated management.