I have a pretty low turnover on my rentals in California.

Could do it, but would really rather not.Scenario 2Rent current home - Buy new homePurchase price of 400k20k downpayment as opposed to 100k as used above in scenario 1at 3.375% (would this change with such a low downpayment?)

I don't currently own a home but I was considering buying by year-end since rates are still low.

The funny thing is at least half the properties are not "passive" but stress filled with lots of activity (frequent maintenance costs, turnover, vacancy, eviction, cap ex)   Decisions have to be made sometimes with little time or little oversight when doing it so far away.    

You can get into the business with low funds but it may be better to bird dog or try to assist an experienced investor to learn the business. 

I set up a minimum price so I have control over how low they can price the room. 

That way you know if its low, high, or average.Are you making purchase with all cash or HML/PML money?

Where We Spent MoneyThe Countertops Everyone loves quartz especially b/c it's low maintenance.

Most of us leave snow removal to the students -- but provide lawn maintenance.  

I have mostly low-income tenants with poor credit (which is fine).