I used an FHA loan but I am concerned about accepting rental payments into my personal bank account. 

Some areas worth looking into:Centrally located neighborhoods like Alhambra and parts of Maryvale still have affordable properties with strong rental demand.West Phoenix (Tolleson, Avondale, parts of Glendale) offers good price points with room for appreciation.South Phoenix is seeing a lot of development and has solid long-term potential.Mesa and pockets of the East Valley can work, especially if you find something that needs light rehab but has strong rental demand.It’s definitely tough to get both cash flow and appreciation in today’s market, but if you’re strategic with your buy, rehab, and financing, BRRRR is still doable in Phoenix.

If you're looking for ways to accelerate, consider these options:Seller Financing – Some sellers may finance a portion of the purchase price, reducing your need for a large down payment.DSCR Loans – These loans focus on property cash flow rather than personal income, often requiring only 15% down.Private Money Lenders – If you can find a PML willing to work with you, you may be able to put less down.Partnerships – If you’re open to splitting profits, you could bring in a partner who funds the down payment.Since you’re okay with the slower path, just keep stacking cash, but these might be worth exploring to move faster!

What are you're long term goals with REI?

So, an investor could easily cashflow right away.Those days are over.Landlording is a long-term play.

I compared other properties in terms of age, sq ft, acres, beds, baths, basement, garage and a subjective measure of interior condition.I have a huge problem with the automated comps (Zillow, RPR, etc) because they could not account for the interior condition. 

I would suggest you also research the zoning code so there is an additional upside long term.   

My goal is long term to get to 10 properties. 

Louis for the hard money loan.

@Nicholas Hausmann - We operate a mid-term rental in Chicago and love it.