Tenants should be paying the owner.Do you also live in the house?

Although I am just starting my journey, (just recently sold first piece of land; acquired in 2016–held and sold this past week) I live in Southern California but looking to expand to Florida and other states for REI. 

If they move in with a made ready home they are more likely to take care of it while they live there. 

For example, they won't need to cover your personal belongings (furniture, clothing, etc.) because you won't be living there.A landlord policy should cost about the same as a homeowner's policy; it just changes what is covered.

I wanted to invest where I wanted to live and I am also from Elgin so am constantly headed further nw. 

Focus on having a budget and having a strong financial base EXACTLY I started RE sales right at 18 when I my license saved enough in the first 14 months to buy a home to  live in.. 

I would love to hear any suggestions about where I should look to live in the area. 

This may be controversial but it seems like you would be saving a lot of money at the moment given your reduced living costs.

100% nightmare tenant that will likely get surprise roommates and a zoo of unauthorized pets while they live there and then claim "oh I didn't know that was against the rules".

another property to the portfolio, and a continued relationship with a live long client