My theory is that when most people say "I need a market" what they are actually saying is I want a B class area (30k income plus) with a lower price point (100-250k median home value) that is growing in population/jobs/median income so rents over time will increase and I'll on the long haul I'll have market appreciation (in addition to being able to force market appreciation). 

Then let your tenants pay the loans down for you over the long haul while you enjoy the tax benefits now (if there are any left under the new administration).

How easy is the place going to be to maintain over the long haul (once I dial it in)?

If that doesn't make a lot of sense- I mean, if you want to have a small family that you can support, live in a million dollar house, have a couple cars with one nice toy, and eat out at a nice place a few times a week... thats how much money you need.

:-D I'm tired of renting U-Hauls for hauling needs!!! 

The only thing holding me back from selling everything is that I'm already in for the long haul.

Feed your family; put money aside for buying rental properties; donate to your church or favorite charity; buy the toys you want.

I am ready to be in this for the long haul but also want to be smart. 

As is my home mortgage... and bills... toys...I am far too good of a landlord to put off being paid for years, if then!

That's not to say that they can't cash flow today but you should be looking at the local haul.