I live in Spring TXfor reference my mortgage, taxes, and insurance are $1840 each month, $385 per year in HOA fees 

If you live in one unit and rent out the other, you can break even or even have positive cash flow.

I'd like to get into a duplex or something, but don't want to live at the property.

There is some land near where I live that came up for sale.

Hi everyone,My name is Sammy Marshall and while I live permanently in Illinois, my wife and I are looking at purchasing our first house for STR in Saint Augustine, FL.

I am not ready to list the property but know how important finding a good cleaning service is and do not live in the area and was wondering if anyone has referrals for reliable cleaners in this area ? 

I think living on a main road could certainly be a potential deterrent for any potential buyer or renter.

Sellers motivation shouldn't factor in what you can afford, thats a bonus if they will negotiate, but your numbers have to make sense to you and work out for multiple exit strategies (str, ltr, sell etc)Running the purchase numbers is pretty straightforward, use almost any online mortgage calculator, make sure you know taxes and insurance (taxes will go up a bit if it is currently owner occupied and you don't plan to live in it) Once you know your mortgage amount then start looking at other STR's in the same area and same size/amenities and see what they are getting per night and how many nights a month they are rented to calculate what you MAY be able to get.

I currently live and rent in San Diego and would very much like to try to lockdown a property down here by end of year if possible.

Quote from @Danny Schellinger: I currently live and work in Chicago, however have a STR property in Florida.