Agree your point not to max out on one property...any recommendation on more affordable markets so i can buy two instead one?

For the record, we don't spend a lot of time in that "office" room (about 8~10 hours a week for each person -- communicating with the PM, coordinating with contractors, shopping for furniture and home decors, working on the guest book and website, etc.), but we don't use that room for any other purpose. 

As the market rents have increased, some renters have migrated to more affordable areas.  

I need to move furniture.

I feel it is safer to invest in my first home with a monthly payment that I can afford if all goes south. 

While we could probably afford this, I'd like to explore leveraging private money to fund a down payment in addition to our own funds.Where can I get more information about taking private money - be it from a friend, family member, etc. - and using this in conjunction with our own money for an owner-occupied MFH? 

More affordable than the Lehigh Valley with similar rents. 

Let's start a discussion...Build To Rent is an effective strategy to solve any communities affordable housing issue.

Gas heat is the best option as it’s the most affordable.

My husband and I own 3 two family homes in Rochester and we love the area and the market is much more affordable than Queens.