Most installations assign housing areas based on rank and then family size, so most service members, in the middle ranks and with families, feel there is a better value to live off post where they can more square footage for the same dollar.I have not served at every installation and I have only served on Army installations, so my information and observations may be skewed. 

It's difficult to comment on the rate without at least a general ballpark of the size, general location, and status of the asset.

Obviously, there are fewer properties, fewer employers, less demand for rental housing, as opposed to high density urban areas,  but I'd like to stay within a reasonable distance from my "starter property", as I currently live NW of Mpls., about that distance away.

I believe this is based on size, amenities and overall condition.  

have seen homes on similar size lots go for around 150k. the land is just sitting there for several years going on decades. the shrubs seem to be well on their way into growing into trees; is there like a service that clears lots for a fee, or maybe it would be more cost effective to put a (manufactured?)

This is because some of the fees stay the same for any size mortgage.

The color shows the Market Health Index (Green - 10; Red - 1), and the size of the circle shows the Market Price To Rent ratio.  

Leslie C.If you will be legitimately self-employed, you would have the option of establishing a Solo 401k plan.  

@Thomas BouchereauI'm looking for:1. good schools2. low crime3. employment in the area4. 

I'm also self employed with a lot of write offs so it becomes a little tricky to get qualified but I have a cosigner if needed.