., I would list it on both AirBNB and VRBO/HomeAway and probably Trip Advisor.

my questions are these:sf bay cities like san jose often have better deals (lower GRM, good economy, good transit for the next gas crisis) than marin county. it's a 2.5 hour round trip drive there, tho' and i DON'T know local trademen like i do here. aside from having to find a property manager (which i gather may be tough) what are the upsides and downsides?

That is your liability.When you rent it: your tenant trips walking up the stairs and breaks an arm.  

I am looking at the Raleigh area because I am familiar with the area, I can travel to and from when needed, and I could even deduct my travel from taxes as visiting my family would include a trip to check out my property (and thus be a business expense).

Eve in those neighborhoods though, it is street by street, so I recommend making some connection in Memphis, take a trip out there, and let everyone know what you're looking for.

Good luck on your trip.

Also, you can easily get on the interstates and turnpike and be in the larger cities for day trips or weekends away (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, DC, NYC, Gettysburg) so its a great location in PA.

@Cat Jones Thank you, I'm in Jackson, but this may be worth the trip.  

Hello,    Just starting my trip down the rabbit hole that is REI so apologies if this information is somewhere else and I have not found it yet.

I plan to make a trip out these within the next several weeks but I would like some local help.