how to move forward in buying first property. No $100,000 houses?

[Skip Gilliam]

I've been crunching some of the numbers as outlined by numerous people here on BP for some of the houses in my area and producing cash flow on rentals just seems like a long shot. 

As an example one neighborhood I'm looking into has a few houses for sale. Two listings both $169,900. Realtor says fair market value is $162,000-$168,000. She sent me comps that have sold in the neighborhood and her figures seem to be in line.  

Running the numbers even if I miraculously got one of these houses for 20% below market value for say $130...the numbers still don't add up to a good positive cash flow. Rent in this neighborhood is $1300-$1600 month depending on the house. The $80-$100,000 house number that I see a lot of on BP just doesn't seem to be possible in my area. Not unless I buy in a sketchy area. 

I will keep looking but not sure how to proceed with these house prices? 

Thanks