I guess I am still on step 1. I moved back to Iowa and kept the same job, and I go back occasionally to see everyone face to face (it is less than 2 hours away by car).
I have thought about moving on to your 2nd step and certainly have some opportunities, but I don't even want to drive 15 or 20 minutes to a town every day.
Worked for the same place in a different state for several years then moved here some years ago to begin working remotely.
The entire county has 1G fiber to the home internet service available at a reasonable price and everything works out wonderfully.
You can get a nice, sturdy old house on an acreage for significantly under $200,000. Even the ""fancy, big houses"" on 10+ acres are rarely listed for more than $300,000 to $400,000.
I have thought about moving on to your 2nd step and certainly have some opportunities, but I don't even want to drive 15 or 20 minutes to a town every day.