And we will raise rent over time as well.

Given that we deduct a lot on our taxes due our rentals we look cash flow poor when we are actually able to cover the debt service on a nicer home that is well more than $2500 that the lender currently says we can afford. 

Would you need to provide utilities as well?

Yes, this exists and credit/liquidity requirements are not onerous.Many satisfied customers over the years and now open in select metro areas in 10 states: TX, NM, AR, MO, IN, OH, NC, GA, TN, ALWe are happy to assist with questions or inquiries.

Well, at $0.05 per mile, a gallon of gas should be $0.85 to $1.15 to match what I pay in the EV MGP-equivalent.

BiggerPockets has a section just for this, Under the BUILD YOUR TEAM tab- then select- MEET UPhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521Best of luck to you!

You can invest in any market selecting the ones that you believe are seeing the most growth, and do it from anywhere.

I think the knowledge I gained is probably the most important thing

So that is something to consider as well.  

The city of Renton, WA now requires landlord to certify the conditions of the building in great detail as well as many aspects of the landscape.