If you are in a market with long term growth prospects (and we are), then over the next 10 years or so price appreciation will be a tailwind on the returns of your rental. 

Disruptors continue to emerge (i.e.

I did tell her that as I see it she has the option to have the new person move out and continue as with the original lease rate. 

***PLAN*** Our plan is to continue reading books and researching and practicing analyzing deals over the next year while we are gone until we get back into the states and know which market to focus on.Should we stick with this plan or just pick a market and do long term investing to start out?

And services have been cut to the bone.At some point we likely see bankruptcy (as predicted by the bonds), but even if we dont, its fair to say Illinois is not a growth state, and that costs for fees, and property taxes are likely headed up.So declining population, radical tenant friendly laws and high government costs all point to me as a place I would not want to invest.

Speculation (mine) is that prices are peaking and you won't see the growth in values that we've been seeing in your area.

As long as your savings continues to build, preparing for the next purchase and keeping you ready for any unexpected repairs.

Growth: 0%Renter Population: 30+%City Description: The city is the service hub of the county, it contains all the big box stores as well as a struggling downtown.  

Bigger Pockets continues to change lives and give young investors like myself the confidence to get creative with building wealth.

But  as long as they're good tenants who take care of my property  and always pay on time I have no problem  continuing month to month as long as they give me 30 days notice  prior to moving .