Newbie in SC looking for advice

[Mark Tebalt]

Hi all, I’m a newbie in upstate SC. For a while now I’ve been scouring the BP forums, blogs, and podcast trying to soak in as much information on rental property investment as I can. Talked with my wife extensively, and convinced her to get on board with our first purchase. I’ve found a lender to work with us on a 30 year conventional loan with 20% down as well. My problem is with the properties available in our area. When I run the numbers, I’m not seeing any cash flow with a conventional loan. I’m 44, and both my wife and I have great jobs, and are just looking to buy and hold for passive income when we retire. Am I just not finding the right deals? Maybe my math is off? Or should I really be looking at ways other than a conventional loan to get into our first rental?