Buying in areas with a lot of good jobs and desirability is the key to growing wealth from rapid appreciation.

Buying cheaper means more properties but probably the possibility of less desirable tenants in that area. 

I've thought about buying on the high end of what I could afford (in highly desirable areas) in the hopes the property values will climb.Should I forgo financing entirely and buy something "cheap" that I can pay in cash or take a minimal mortgage on?

It would seem very unlikely to be able to structure the purchase of a desirable property, at a market or below market price, with a true nothing down” transaction, and not have a heavily negative cash flow.  

Problem is that I have to use my personal income plus rentals and that would probably take a few years longer to acquire properties in the desired areas.

Please do not take this wrong, but I am wondering if there is an intent by one or more parties to take advantage of the situation, because of your great desire to purchase the property.

With 6 roomies, and possibly a lot of turnover, (Mi cocina es la cochina de nadie)Same for the restrooms, livingroom and yard.Maybe some maid service to keep the place(s) as desirable living space.I wouldn't not expect flop house types to be big on cleaning up other roommates messes .

This prompted me to shift my focus towards planning for the future and setting clear goals.Motivated by a desire to own a home someday, I began exploring listings on platforms like Zillow and Redfin.

Exact same story, red tags, our unit not red tagged but had significant damage, promises of progress, had to take a trip there to get the desired progress, insurance cost roase more. 

I have a waiting list of tenants and charge market rent because I buy in desirable areas vs "affordable" areas.