The stimulus checks, increased unemployment benefits, and rental assistance pretty much guarantee she earned more during these four months than if she were working.

The area may not be as desirable for you to live.

I can see where it might be worth while when interest rates are 6-7% and the HELOC is substantially lower....but at the rates they are now I personally don't see much of a point...the benefit of the leveraged debt being so cheap now is to be able to earn more on your money elsewhere.   

Reportedly, the Upward America program “will be positioned to acquire over $4 billion of new single-family homes and townhomes from Lennar and, potentially, other homebuilders, and rent them to households earning “approximately” the median income in each market.”

What resources would you recommend for determining if a neighborhood/market is a desirable location for renters?

Usable for multiple groups when desired as buildings are self-contained and of multiple occupancy.

And when you decide you locale, think about your desired amenities.

I always spent a very small portion of what I earned as I am reasonably frugal and relatively financially savvy.

I bought a smaller, wildly desirable location, studio single family in a downtown area in Havre De Grace, Maryland 6 months ago.

You will need to earn an income to buy properties, so what do you want to do and what are you good at?