Is this purely a tax play, or is it a lifestyle benefit (such as being able to vacation in it with family), or is it a serious investment you're pursuing?

It's true, the ADU would generate good returns and also improve my lifestyle at home (a place for my parents to live part time as well). 

That’s such an inspiring journey—you’ve really carved your own path and it’s awesome to see how you blended real estate with lifestyle freedom.

As you grow this doesn't effect you as much but life style creep kills investing.

If lifestyle and using your VA loan are more important, San Diego could work.

My brother-in-law wants us to buy him out so he can use the money to fund his lifestyle and potentially buy himself a condo in the city.

Stadium & Entertainment: Atrium Health Ballpark brings foot traffic and drives short-term rental appeal.Attraction Growth: Proximity to breweries, trails, and new retail makes it increasingly desirable for both renters and buyers.Investor Takeaway: High-demand suburban & lifestyle-driven markets are commanding top rents, while affordable pockets like Kannapolis and Lincolnton offer strong growth potential.

Also, because I'Km an active investor and have to spend a significant amount of where I invest, I want to like the locations where I invest for lifestyle reasons as well and I do.

Starting your investing journey in Bend is a great move strong demand, lifestyle appeal, and a growing market.

I’m willing to sacrifice lifestyle now to set myself up for the future.Here are some details about my situation and questions I’d love feedback on:Finances:Current salary ~$70K, plus some side income from a part-time job ($10–15K/year).Plan to max out my Roth IRA and invest in my 457 retirement plan, but also set aside most of my money for real estate.Currently saving aggressively (shooting for $30–45K by next year).