If they are struggling, and maybe have a car repair bill, soon they will be more aggressive about complaining in order to get stuff off rent... don't do it!   

NY can work but watch for high taxes and regulations.For $10K–$35K properties, expect heavy rehab and limited financing options.

Having people write Spark Investment checks for $25K, $50K, $100K and more.

I'd feel comfortable investing ~$50k to start off.

houston is probably similar pricing to Columbus Ohio but way worse zoning laws. we take 20% on top as a GC and a guaranteed fee agreement. our contracted new construction projects recently:Single family new build spec home: 1513 square feet with 3 beds 2.5 baths 1 car attached $275000 approx $182 a square foot if calculated using heated square feet which means our cost is $145 a square foot. 3 unit / triplex new construction: 2008 square feet 2 bedrooms 1 bath per unit or total 6 bedrooms 3 bathrooms with 3 off street parking spaces. contracted build cost $395,000. no garage on this and better economies of scale with shared roof, slab, etc. $192 a square foot hard cost with our cost running approximately $157 a square foot. 

I mean look what Clayton Morris pulled off. 

Then continue to scale - don't try and retire off one deal

The fact that you have a TAX-FREE income is crazy good.  

They can't even write commercial insurance for the most part.

Would love to connect on this and take a look at both on and off market opps.