In return his management time will be less, and theoretically can afford to reduce fee a little.

I'm talking about staying on the title with them, and keeping a partial equity position in order to keep the home more affordable to them via a lower purchase price or smaller down payment.

Fast forward to today, I've built up my cash reserves and moved to a more affordable part of Southern California (at least I think) where I'm honing on catching that first one. 

I'm open to wherever I can find affordable property that suits my personal needs.

The information contained in John T.

Hello @Sheila Gonzalez,I agree with @Larry T. on this...I have a mortgage broker that you can call for a candid conversation and run this question by him for a second opinion.

Some even had to send their wives BACK TO WORK so they could one day afford to retire. 

Finding something good and affordable in the NW or NE is going to be tough, it might be worth it to just plan on either a primary residence or a rental, or perhaps a primary that you plan on turning into a rental in a couple years.

Construction costs are spiking, making it impossible to replace product that rents for $800 - $1200, which happens to be the range most can afford.

They are cash cows and provide much needed affordable housing options.