As usual, I applaud you for your stalwart plans to rescue yourself. I think your plan is very good and if you have started getting a fix on real estate choices that seem interesting and creative for you, then you are a jump ahead.
You do need to research what could be affordable where you would like to live. You do need to consider what would be affordable but also a good investment. Real estate is the best savings acct. and I would be sad if you ditched your problematic homestead for nothing much. That wreck will probably weather the financial storm even if it is not 'improved'. You and your CAT MAN chose it for a reason. Charm survives. Land is best.
I am your guardian real estate angel with no credentials. I have never guessed wrong about what is valuable house-wise, though....
Sincerely, Friend Flicka
Talk to a local realtor about all of this. Try to find one that is not greedy. Or exploit his/her greed for good info. And then be careful.
