I've also toyed around with the idea of renting it for around $500/month.

I run one down on Cape Cod but it may be a bit of a haul for you. 

Some landlords spend their day doing demolition, hauling junk, cleaning and mowing lawns.

I'm in for the long haul.

For that tenant class, the headaches are not worth it.Fyi in my short 2 years owning properties there, I dealt with 4 evictions, dogs ******** on walls, cat piss along the whole wall and even the ceiling, and a tenant throwing all their kids toys into the wall vents. 

Can I sustain it for the long haul?

I have received many more returned letters than leads, but I'm in it for the long haul (multiple mailings).

I've always toyed around with the idea of real estate investing but it seemed out of reach.

I'm pursuing a career in local government/ urban planning.I've been toying around with the idea of real estate development for some time now, but I've finally decided to pull the trigger and really get serious about this after talking to different people.

Equity growth and forced equity through BRRRR deals is absolutely essential to build wealth and be in this game for the long haul.