Single-family home sales were down 3.8 percent year-over-year, the 17th consecutive month of slowing sales volume, however there continued to be signs of overall improvement to the local housing market;The 3.8 percent decline is the smallest since the market registered a 0.8 percent drop in May 2022;Compared to August 2019, before the pandemic, sales were down 8.0 percent, and compared to August 2018, five years back, they were down 4.5 percent.

Some of the other markets have stagnant job markets and even declining populations.

If you look historically in the Bay Area, most RE gains start a year or two after the unemployment rate peaks and starts declining.

I would be careful with "turn key" providers, who often are selling properties that are overpriced, and that will have long term challenges, including getting your initial price back when you sell it.Some of these Midwestern towns are cheap for a reason;  They are in economic decline. 

You seem to understand the risk of declining markets and margin calls, as long as you don't push your limits you should be OK.FYI the interest on the margin debt should be deductible and if you have dividend income that can help pay for the interest expense on your loan.

Unless the area where your house is currently is scary or declining, I would not move.  

I feel worst case scenario will be a small decline (maybe 5-10%) in prices

Rust belt has been in decline for years.

She is just paying taxes and insurance on it while it declines.

Below is what happened to our clients and our income during times of economic stress:2008 crash - Zero decline in rent and zero vacancies.COVID - Almost no impactEviction moratorium - Almost no impactWhile I see little likelihood of a crash due to higher interest rates and fewer buyers, we are seeing an increase in inventory and finding some excellent deals.