Our father in law lives out in the country in Ava and my wife and I eventually want to buy land and live out there once we've built up a portfolio of cash flowing rentals (future focus)So really springfield is a little bit convenience mixed with a little necessity because of family; however, I think I might want to branch out to either the Kansas City or St Louis market...but that's a ways away.As They're always saying on the podcast, you can always find a place to invest within just a few hours of wherever you live

Also you're eventual end buyer may not care about the ARV & only care about current as is.

Let us know what you eventually accept and why. 

He did this for enough years to satisfy the Adverse Possession requirements and eventually sold the property to somebody else with a clear title.Adverse Possession is difficult but is possible under the law.The best advise to you would be to seek out an attorney, in CA who is not only a real estate attorney but one familiar with the Adverse Possession requirements. 

The large expenditures are going to eventually occur for a new roof, new windows, new furnace, etc. 

I realized I don't want to give up my city life (Chicago) to move into a house in the suburbs that would eventually get rented out. 

I realized I don't want to give up my city life (Chicago) to move into a house in the suburbs that would eventually get rented out. 

The reason for going with rentals to start with is to create monthly income to work with on a daily basis (eventually replace my job) as flips may come less frequently or reliably.

I currently work for one of the top manufactured home lenders, but would like to eventually work in real estate full time. 

Just as a suggestion @Melissa Sturges, you may want to consider running your numbers as if you will eventually hire a property manager.Life can change and although you might be OK managing the property for the near future will you feel the same way in 5 or 10 years?