You'll reap the benefits in the long term when it's more widely accepted by renters here with the cost of living skyrocketing (it's a little better in Tucson compared to PHX, but still).Best of luck my friend! 

@Jason Crain I was actually not that comfortable with a sign in the yard....I was afraid it would attract vandals/burglars.

An option to purchase could be a duplex to house hack, this can help you bring in extra income, and/or if it needs rehabbed you can live in the property while you do the rehab. 

According to CBS 17 News, Raleigh is the #2 hottest real estate market in the US and Durham is #4.You could even invest on the outskirts as well because I know some people would not want to live directly in the city.

If you arnt and your going to live there long term then again.. your other side is paying a very nice chunk of the overall interest.

It takes much longer to evict and while they live rent-free you get nothing. 

She of course is in a very different market than you are and it is a house she is living at.

Each time on the first two I have bought in my name, renovated one side while living in the other, swapped sides renovating while living in the other, then rented out both sides when moving on to the next project.

Hi all, I'm looking to invest in this area because it's close enough to where I live (Orange County). 

@Jessie DillonAnother "it depends" personally I prefer an open credit line and at least 3 months in reserves for my own comfort.