Some markets stay fairly stable and some are volatile.

., you would probably be approved for a pretty sizable loan given your strong financial position and high stable income.You really have to run the numbers on what your current housing expense is (rent, utilities, rental insurance, internet, etc.) and compare that to if you spent maybe $2M on a solid 4 unit building where you could live in one unit and rent the other 3 for $4K/mo each.

I almost never speak to anyone on the phone, and my units are so stable a PM company would be a waste of money.

(can go either way as a 'locked in' price however- they could lose money if it appreciates over the terms, or gain money if the market is more flat in the area and stays stable; could be a pro/con for you just the same )On the front end of the deal, they aren't getting from you what they would if they just sold it outright.

But I also would have a roofer and an ac/furnace guy out to say. 1) this part had to be fixed not, this part will fail in the next so many e]years, and each part will cost this.

I do have some R/E investment experience, but not a lot.

After I read your post I had a surprisingly stable hour or two of internet access and was able to follow the links you provided and actually do some more searches that (gasp) actually came back with results. 

@Edwin E.

It seems to be one of the more stable (and affordable) areas to jump in, but yes, there is always risk.Colorado Springs, for example, has had 2 or 3 years with significant home damage due to fires, floods, etc.

Without an "e".