Early in my career, this really bit me in the tush and I am seeing many investors walking right into the same trap.

You might potentially be able to deduct the travel costs from CA to MA/NH/RI once you acquire the property.You may want to work with a CPA who helps working with new investors to have a walk-through of what is deductible.

Fellow Newbie here I look forward to walking this journey with you!

This was a perfect set up as it had a walk out basement/separate unit with 2 beds/1 bath and a kitchenette.

The property is in a highly desirable area just outside Boston in walking distance to rapid transit.

I think more people do not understand the risk of seller financing. all the people I see applying for seller financing could not get a visa card there credit is so bad and there savings is from the pennies they find walking down the street. 

Keep walking.

If they spring something on you at the closing table, run, don't walk, away.

Could you make 10 or 100 videos for a business you could walk to today?   

EB is great source of renters with solid incomes and I have found that our EB renters seem to prefer our listings in Groton being closer to EB and in some cases walking distance.