After this advice I feel it is much easier to invest locally where you can become a “market expert” more easily.

Starting with a single-family can be a great way to start especially if you’re looking for a lower-risk starter project where you can get your hands dirty and learn a ton by doing.

i wouldn't tell you where you should move since i don't know you.also, a lender would be in the best position to advise whether you qualify for a specific loan. 

Where are your properties located?

House hacking is a great strategy, especially in a market like Phoenix where rental demand is strong.

That's where you should start. 

You might check with your Self-Directed IRA Trust Company/Custodian, they might have a brokerage connection capability where you can setup a brokerage account tied to your IRA, then you can with that brokerage to invest in various public market investments, in some cases stocks, mutual funds, ETF's, treasuries, and CD's.

And for that matter, Dean puts out a great list of SFH, connect with them and you'll get the emails.Thank you @Nida KazmiIm happy to share my podcast info where I break down every Memphis investment zip code with anyone.

If I were you, I'd ask for where the squatters ended up and get their address too.

We recently sold a Bilevel house, where the entry is between floors and you have to go up or down upon entry.