If your ok with not getting your CC and DP back quickly and can afford the 25% down on each prop plus CC I would go the rent ready way.

Or try the reverse - rehab a property to Class A standards in a Class D neighborhood and try to get a Class A or B tenant to rent it.Unfortunately, many newbie real estate investors are jumping into buying affordable Class C rentals - expecting Class A results.

Section 8 will need to approve your initial rent based on the property and what the tenant can afford.

If there are excess losses, Citizens can surcharge all policyholders to help pay for the claims.If you have a long term rental, it is a viable and affordable option, but it should never be construed as the best option. 

They could afford their own 1-bdrm apartment, plus electric, heat, cable, snow-clearing, etc.

In a nutshell it is a cash flow industry with high yield (6% to 11% net pretax) affordable at USD$30K to $70K on average, and most importantly services are transparent.

I'm concerned that if I place an ad to find people who will work on an hourly basis (in the area of the property) that I might have a hard time finding people who can reliably respond to emergencies during off hours, but I can't afford to have someone working full time or with standard on-call rotations. 

Professional photography is a must and it is fast and affordable.

However, if you can afford the negative balance every month, you'll be accumulating equity over time as a longterm play.I'm a local broker and PM.

Some come a facet, others don't, just shop around.If you DIY the install you'll save more money.