Starting out, I would try to take equity from your primary/another property using a HELOC, borrower against a 401k/retirement account, or partner with someone that has cash. 

You will need to find partners, you will need to travel to where you wish to invest, you will need to understand the ins and outs of the business by being actively involved and treating it like a business and not some super passive investment.If you don't want to do that work I suggest you just put that 200k into some sort of diversified mutual fund that can make you 10+% on your money without any of the work of real estate.At the end of the day this is just my advice and I'm only a stranger on the internet.

Morris knew early on that he had a horrific ground partner.. 

Partner Driven identified the Bayport Dr property through our extensive network and partnerships.

It is possible if you are willing to buy good Class C properties with your own cash in the right market with financial partners.  

If the numbers aren't there yet, I'd suggest focus on growing your income, look into house hacking as previously suggested, or consider partnering with other investors who can qualify for the loans.

.- Buy one local STR probably with a my partner.- Buy one lot in area I can start building a duplex or fourplex on.  

I help business owners and investors raise capital usually connecting them with partners who can secure $75k-$100k at 0% interest for 12 months.

If the cleaner is making so much money, maybe you can start your own cleaning business or figure out how to partner with your current cleaner.

BEST DECISION I EVER DID WAS MAKE MY WIFE MY BUSINESS PARTNER THIS YEAR FELT LIKE NEW BEGINNINGS LEAVING A OLD PARTNERSHIP AND STARTING A NEW ONE LITTLE  DID WE KNOW THIS FLIP WOULD BE THE WORSE THING WE DID THIS YEAR TALK ABOUT A HOUSE THAT WOULDN'T STOP SPITTING OUT PROBLEMS FROM SQUATTERS BREAKING IN , FROM THE CITY CONSTANTLY GIVING VIOLATIONS, WE EVENTUALLY TOOK A LOSS OVER 50K OUCH!!