What keeps us going is seeing how this things grows to a point that in the not to distant future, we will be able to support our lives using only our investment income and then we will be able to spend more time with family, traveling, etc. 

This property was 2500 from my house so I traveled often and took that broker to dinner, for coffee.

By next summer, I plan on picking up travel positions, which pay substantially more, and include living and dining stipends.

Again seek legal representation when you are handling these types of deals because if you don't fill out the 1-4 contract correctly or the additional form, you could be left holding the bag and someone's life could be ruined.  

Also, I've considered Texas, the suburbs, maybe even Laredo by the border of Mexico (read a book about people living there and it was pretty interesting, plus I really like traveling to Mexico)... 

Can be done but risky and lots of moving parts.Personally I just use business credit for the sign up travel bonuses. 

Or go for the place with a basement apartment and Airbnb the *#@% out of it or rent it to traveling nurses or remote workers. 

I am out of the Athens, Georgia area but willing to travel to meet other folks.

I think He needs to read Dave Ramsey, sell expensive cars/trucks, adopt a side hustle where he can deduct his vehicles, travel, health insurance, etc.

Any travel over 179/180 days it becomes TAD (temporary assigned duty) and their per diem is reduced further.