Here’s our OPINION for the Metro Detroit market (use as a template for your target area!)

Pushing into other, close-by, markets is the best (and maybe only) way to make it work.

If the only MFH options you're finding are in areas you're not comfortable with, it might be worth focusing on a duplex in a better neighborhood.Saving up for a larger property later is a valid approach too, but keep in mind that real estate tends to appreciate over time, and waiting might make it harder to enter the market later.

Do you have experience and know the cycles of your market so you know the best price?

It is not that good at the price point of DC or in my market (but better than my market).  

Unique neighborhood and product within local market.

There are really great REI opportunities in different markets - markets in the Midwest and Southeast of the country are particularly lucrative - where not only are the purchase prices reasonable for most RE investors, but the homes are turnkey (new builds or completely rehabbed homes, tenant ready, systems 10 years of life remaining on them, property management teams in place) with appreciating home value AND appreciating rent.

Cleveland is a great market, but hopefully my warning here will help you avoid the headaches I endured.

I live in a town of about 100k people here in Dothan, AL, so STRs aren’t the most popping market.

I'm starting a property management company and I'm curious to know how people have marketed themselves online.