I am also trying to replace my salary with cash flow so that I can just spend my day teaching people how to fly at my local airport. 

I found this deal by driving around and talking to lots of people.

I also think many of the call center people they employ are not even in the US.

I am always telling people that I buy houses for cash any condition, As well I have a Facebook page that I post weekly to stay relevant and remind people I am looking for houses to buy all the time. 

Being smaller, it doesn't have as many opportunities for growth, as many larger employers, and as many institutions that draw people to the region.

@Robert BurnsYou're likely going to get many different answers from many different people who have all had success and horror stories in different ways in RE. 

One thing to note, MOST PEOPLE NEVER leave their W2 job.

Don't jump too early and start connecting with other investors in the area and meet other people who have house hacked near you.

Tell her to go out to a movie and have people do the work when she is gone. 

Sadly a lot of people enter various real estate investing fields without a clue of the risks.