On the other hand, you can make money in any area, even areas with no growth as there are still people that live there, even if the population is declining. 

The owners also still live there. 

I have house hacked a bit, and have flipped 2 houses (homes I lived in).

We own 26 rentals in this market and I have lived every one of your questions in some way or another haha.

I am a tenant living in Chicago.

Lastly, house hacking lets you live in a multi-family property while renting out the other units to cover your mortgage.

I post 2 videos a week for development and look at lots all over and talk about it and post on every platform. it's all I do. sounds like you have a lot going on so I'd decide what you really want and take the risk. 

I'd talk to your tenant for a few reasons-maybe they want to buy it, they need to know for showings and they may want to find a new place to live.

I live in Australia but I’m an American Citizen.

There are videos, bigger pockets provides a lot of info to study and read before contributing to the reason we should be banned.