You won't find a deal where you live for free, but if you can live in a great neighborhood at a reduced cost of living that is a nearly risk free way to get started in real estate. 

Do you have a total price range you're looking for, or maybe a cost/door?

I get that labor costs (along with everything else!)

I would avoid working with Leslie Pappas / Archer Investors at all costs.

It cost me $8500 in my HCOL to get the electric separated on a 3 unit.

Here are additional comments:1) Buying out of state removes any local knowledge you have from assisting in your success, including knowing areas, people and costs. - We always recommend buying your first rental locally if possible and DIY managing to learn as much as possible before investing OOS.2) Lots of crooks and incompetents in the PMC world:( They both cost you money.- As already stated, you'll have a small portfolio.

Even still, it could be said that I've still lost money due to my time on the tools instead of prospecting as a real estate agent (the cost of lost opportunity).If you can truly do 80%-90% of the work yourself (at acceptable quality levels) and you aren't sacrificing your time where you can get better returns for your efforts, then yes, it can work even up here in Canada.

There are no upfront costs so why not establish a relationship with someone who actively represents real estate investors and move forward with vetting your ideas.Best.

Sometimes, buying an existing property can be more cost-effective and less time-consuming and maybe require slightly less permits, etc. 

I am trying to get a good hang of the rehab costs since I’m new to the are (from Dallas).