Even if you decide the East Coast is the place for you, as @Russell Brazil has stated, the appreciation of the property of the long run should continue you to build wealth for you.

Developers and construction companies have adapted their strategies (Build for Rent), embracing innovation (light gauge steel construction) and diversification (new product types) to meet changing consumer needs and market demands.

Over time, your mortgage payments will consist of less interest and more principal, which means more of your payment is going towards building equity.

In 2022, I was taking SL depreciation for my rental properties (1 apartment building and 4 4-plexes).

I want to be in the community and build connections.

I bought a 12 unit building a few years ago in a town/city of 16,000.

The property is about 1 acre and has 2 buildings on the site.  

I would like to build a portfolio that I can eventually give to my children in the future to help them build generational wealth. 

It is 2 unit building that has potential for a 3rd unit as well. 

We're located in Berkeley, CA, and own a parcel that has a 1000sqft house (2bed/1bath) in the front and a 2x800sqft unit (1bed/1bath each) building in the back.