Is 2% Rule Realistic

[Ben Gilmore]

As a result of life changes, my ex-wife and I have sold our rental properties, split the proceeds and now I'm looking to reinvest.  This time, I'm trying to be as efficient w/ my investments as possible.  My question...Has anyone else found it incredibly difficult to find properties or markets where meeting the 2% rule is possible?  The properties I'm looking at here in Columbia MO and other areas across the country don't even come close.  I'm trying to focus on single family homes under $200k, but carrying a loan on these properties significantly limits profitability.