Depending on where you will be stationed there may be affordable housing options <$100k.

@Matt ByrneThe real question is can your AFFORD to learn?

Thus I've looked into several properties in other states and they seem more affordable.

Never invest with money that you can't afford to lose.

I suspect, that at some time there may be something that she might wish to have, that you really cannot afford with the "job" income to have.

I might have to start out slower but I really think we can afford to make some good moves in this growing city of mine over the next 5 years. 

I find the higher-quality plastic bins work great for this - I can stack them and they're pretty inexpensive.One of my favorite tools is my toolbox.

And my sign in the yard gets phone calls of people who can't afford the area.

Would it be smart and reasonable to buy a cheaper rental property in a different, more affordable market, even while we are renting ourselves?

@Benjamin Papet the primary purpose for BRRRR is to help build your portfolio so the refinancing step is intended to accomplish a couple things: 1) affords you with lowering the cost of debt and 2) most importantly, it provides you with the funds for your next deal, hence the "repeat" step.There is a delicate balance with how much debt and leverage you should have so that is a personal choice based on your affinity for risk and how much reserve you have.