New to the Game...Several Questions

[Chase Webster]

Hello. My name is Chase, and I have set a deadline for myself to have at least one rental property by the end of next year. I have been thinking of starting with a duplex or two, but I also have some interested investors through which I could probably amass somewhere between 80-100K to start out. Should I stick to a few small multi-family units to start, or should I go for something a little bigger. I personally am trying to do this on the side of a career. If you had 80-100K what would you do with it?

On another note, I have also thought of trying to build in an area that is starved for rentals. People are literally on waiting lists for apartments. There is no professional rental housing in the area that is available. The area is traditionally rural, but has brought in two major companies in the last few years and is quickly outgrowing its available rental housing. Is building a viable option for a first time investor? Any tips on getting started or resources I could look at?

Lastly, I am looking for some good analysis software or prewritten Excel calculator. I can see a ton on the web, but don't know if there is something that generally stands out in the real estate community as a cut above. 

Thanks for your time! I look forward to interacting with all of you here on BP!

-Chase