Coincidentally, I had lunch with a fraternity brother immediately prior to going to GSE for a closing only to find out AJ Stanton is a riding buddy of his (how random!).

It will be a fun ride:)

Real estate is a long game so even though you will not cash flow while in your unit if you are cutting your current living expenses, building equity with your tenant paying rent, building equity rehabbing the place and building equity riding the appreciation it makes it a no brainer. 

The theme parks are still growing and adding more rides, parks etc so this is just another way to diversify the type of offerings when visiting Orlando. 

If you can ride out your current situation a little longer, you will be much better off.

Local as defined as less than a 4 hours car ride.

Or is it too expensive to ride?

i live in LA and during the recession just about everyone i know negotiated their rents down. it happens. just make sure your numbers work and that you have some downside protection, especially if you think we are at or nearing the top. a lot of people who bought between 2010 and now have no complaints about riding the market up and are happy to share their success stories, but a lot of people who were destroyed by the crash may not even be on bp. if you are buying on thinner margins, make sure your numbers are sound, you have some protection and enough reserves to weather a storm. 

Over time you may depend and trust your people on the ground a lot more but still suggest to spend the plane ride and accommodation cost, as you will be parking much more money there over the next few months/years.  

Only 1.5-2 hr drive/2 hr train ride and you can find many cash flow opportunities in the central PA area.