I am in my working years, not relying on rental income, and am focusing mostly on improving my overall net worth (not as focused on living off the cash flow).

I would purchase a duplex (or even better, purchase a SFH with as many bedrooms as you can afford and rent by the room), and then slowly improve the property. 

Have fun with your search.

.- After closing, you can do some of the work yourself to save money, but the program doesn't allow you to pay yourself.You will want to buy a Class B property, maybe Class C+, in an area that seems to be improving.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

You'll see some familiar names thrown around a lot: Stessa, Apartments.com, RentRedi, TenantCloud, Innago, RentManager, Avail, Rentec Direct, Doorloop, etc.I recommend you search for each app online and see what they offer, how much they charge, etc.

Focus on optimizing the current fourplexes (improving rents, reducing expenses).

That profit will increase over time and improve your return. 

The key is to pick a lane—focus on improving as an investor, finding great deals, and letting a solid property manager handle the operations.

I searched for properties that stay on the market for a long time.