I'm particularly passionate about rental, fix-and-flip family and multi-unitsOutside of real estate, I enjoy nature photography.

When they ask the nature of my business, do I advise that I'm a real estate investor?

-properties in the low 100s are going to be in more challenging neighborhoods. 

Challenges?

Then use the extra roommate rent income to pay down your mortgage and look to refi to a lower payment in the future (3-5 years) - so it cashflow when you move out.You could also choose the smaller unit and STR the other unit to generate more cash to pay down your mortgage and refi, so it cashflows when you move out.Bottom line: you'll have to get creative to solve your cashflow challenge!

I eventually want to buy a house but I think as a novice this will give me some experience and the opportunity to learn the challenges that I will need to overcome once I do buy my property. 

Challenges?

@Charles GranjaWhile you certainly make valid points, I’ve come to realize that this unscrupulous company is quite devious, and getting things transferred from them could be a challenge.

I'm not very familiar with these markets but I've found Columbus has great tenant quality on average, less property crime, and great appreciation potential.Any market can offer killer cash flow with those lower purchase prices, but in my experience, you're more likely to run into challenging tenant situations and higher maintenance costs that eat into those returns.

However, that is the nature of rules of thumb.