This is where your budgeting skills will be critical.

For your budget, Midwest cities like Columbus, Indianapolis, or Pittsburgh are solid options with affordable MFH properties and growth potential.

The property value has increased quite a bit since then and i would like to increase it, but i wasn't sure it they would entertain it being that its an investment now and not my primary home.  

If you do it right, it’s arguably the best market to invest.Purchase: $80k-$130kRent: $1100-$1500 (no rent control in MI)1% rule: .9%-1.4% rule dealsCoc ROI: 5-12%Total ROI: 20-40%Cash flow: $50-$250/door (after all expenses and budgeting for maint, capex, vacancy)Appreciation: 3-10%+ (has been double digit for a decade)Location: C+, B-These numbers are based on the “sweet spot” in Metro Detroit.

My first flip was a HUD foreclosure with no money down—far from perfect, but I learned a ton about budgeting and contractors.

California's housing prices are too high for our budget, and I'm at a loss.I'm seeking your advice on alternative ways to use these funds for good.

Quote from @Galant Ant: Permit delays in NY can derail timelines and budgets for developers and flippers.

Should these taxes be at a more normal or Canadian-style level, the city of Tulum would have an even bigger infrastructure budget and you wouldn't hear about those issues in the same way.

This is because they didn’t budget properly and rent wasn’t high enough to cover actual expenses (repairs and maintenance, cap ex, vacancy and loss, tenant damage and turnovers, etc don’t expect to have any money left over after all of these expenses are accounted for if the rent is less than $1,500/month). 

I would base your answer on buying the bigger one (within reason) that will fit in your space that fits your budget.