I was in a very similar situation. Bought my 1st house at 22. Got a good job out of state 3 years later and had to decide what to do. Looked at selling but decided it wasn't worth the loss/break even so I started renting it. The first renters I had we're awesome. They had to do a 6 month lease while they were waiting for their house to finish being build, so I charged a short term lease fee. Second renters are there now and seem great. Army guy and wife and no kids. I profit about $400/month from the rent payments and getti keep building the equity. My vote: Keep it and find renters