You might consider renting until you feel comfortable with the area and then decide which towns are the most attractive to you.

Feel far more comfortable investing in my backyard.

I know many landlords do income checks on potential tenants but I would suspect that many college students don't make enough to feel comfortable.

Yes even though some of what you explained was a bit out of my comfort zone.

We don't own any real estate now but are living comfortably in our RV and can do so for another year if need be.We also are interested in real estate investing and are actively looking for homes to renovate for the purpose of flipping or keep as rentals.

I'm at a time in my life when I'm saving for all kinds of things (wedding, new car, investing) and feel much more comfortable with what is a reasonably steady income (I know no job is guaranteed) I am not a huge fan of leverage, or debt of any kind, which is why I'm putting away money like crazy.

I would get pre approved but also run your own numbers and see what YOU are comfortable financing.

Own as many as YOU want, and as many as YOU feel comfortable owning.

As I get more comfortable, I may look at other things and less a %.

Don't get me wrong we live comfortable, but not enough to just hand me money.