Recently one of my clients purchased a $120k single family house and is currently renting it out for $1550/mo.

House hack is the only option but even that might not be feasible.

Which is why I think house hacking is best for 90% plus of new buy and hold investors.I wrote an article on this a while back that goes into more depth and you might find that helpful: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/get-a-loan

Anyone in NWA looking to house hack a 4plex?

you borrow on your house lend to another and they default your now are fubared.

Try looking into cities in with stable economies, strong renter populations, and where housing is below the US median value.

@Michael Davisstart with a house hack

If it's the case that you are in an area where this is a consistent problem, it may be better to install a whole house surge protector at the main panel.

And you are wondering if you should spend lets say $125,000 on a house you have never seen ? 

Purchase price: $499,990 5 bed 3 bath split level house in Hyattsville, 1875 sq ft