One thing I will caution you on is that when listening to podcast to reading books about other areas, those often don't resemble the market here in Sacramento. 

Before I did that, as a young professional I rented room shares from other people so instead of signing a $1000+ lease for an apartment and having to furnish it and pay for utilities, I’d rent a furnished room in a house within 10 mins walking of my job for $500-600 utilities included.

a furnished 1br near the ocean in South Florida is really very good for a short term rent... picture your prospective tenant - who is he/she?

I pay $150.00 for a 1500 sf apartment, which is 10 cents sf, but that's what's usually charged for a furnished space too. 

It’s furnished and practically ready to go.

It is two blocks from my daughters college and I will be converting to furnished student housing and more than tripling the cash flow in early 2020.

Factor in any debt on the property, utilities, furnishings, etc.

You could also consider short-term or furnished rental if you so choose, that would give you back the highest return.

We are just now furnishing the rental portion to earn an extra few hundred a month.

List your place on Furnished Finder and join the traveling nurse groups on FB.