As an aspiring out-of-state real estate investor located on Long Island, NY, I have been doing some in-depth market research to identify several healthy investor-friendly markets to begin exploring.

Looking to purchase a home to be used as a long- term rental and wanted to see if there is healthy rental market out there.

When you speak I can hear your smile 😃 You are super encouraging.

@Wells Mangrum you have a healthy portion of scepticism.

Based on my VERY rudimentary newbie research, it has healthy population growth, it’s relatively landlord friendly, not too high property taxes, and according to House Canary-good rental yield, and the median home price is $168K.

Is there a way for my parents to advertise the bank's sale of the house to drum up interest and maximize chances of healthy bidding? 

I would get the HELOC, start investing, get a handyman to keep your house in good shape and keep smiling when you check Zillow at the end of each quarter

Your Tenant won't accept the other rental, which clearly indicates he's not concerned about his health. I

There's a healthy flux of people moving north from Illinois, and the FoxConn development in Racine will likely continue to lure people from south of the border.

I have the financial means for a healthy down payment and would like to get started on this journey.