[akaivyleaf]

I can agree that its a pain to manage property, you still have the maintenance bills too. But I think you should concentrate on saving for the children prior to retirement savings so think of what you had thought for retirement in terms of some long term savings for the children. Even if you're not inclined to pay for college, senior year in highschool is about the most expensive year EVER, including college. Of course you can homeschool....

You didn't mention anything about health benefits, and if you're going to be self-employed this is a very real and necessary expense to factor in too.

Bottom line, I would hold off on buying another house (and I hear you about running an illegal business) untill you get other financial things in place, such as insurance, savings for child(ren), if you're total convinced to go with the state job, start getting some of those benefits such as inquiring about a special use permit? Most states issue them- which supercede city/county ordinances and would quite possibly legalize your taxidermy business. You gotta know someone in state government.