After 4-5-6 years then maybe roll them up into a small mulitfamily.Another option if you have the credit and some capital is to buy a 4 unit as owner/occupied and live in one and rent the other 3. 

I own Granite and Pine Properties - a Direct to Seller Marketing company that focuses on giving sellers 3 selling options. https://graniteandpinere.com/My advertising is word of mouth, social media, SEO, mailers and cold callers.

I am exploring this option now and just learned about it. 

While I own quite a few rental units already, I thought condos might be a good option to gift to my kids when they turn 18, offering them a safe introduction to property ownership without too much risk.However, my challenge with investment condos is that the cash flow always seems terrible.

Sellers rarely mind the low deposit and extended closing period due to the nature of the property, or at least they can be made aware of the fact that their lot has issues that will take MY time and MY money to solve and then they come around.My terms on the flip are: Minimum 10K spread between purchase and flip value.  1-2K deposit upfront to hold the property for 7 days then the deposit becomes non-refundable after the 7th day and the buyer has the same amount of time that I originally negotiated with seller typically 8-12 months(its a purchase contract but because of contingencies its essentially an option).  

Option 1 - NOI = Rent - (maintenance, vacancy, management, property tax, insurance)or Option 2NOI = Rent - (property tax, insurance)in both cases i assume DSCR = monthly payment/NOI

Others are responsible with their budget and can stretch a dollar.If they are excellent renters, I would offer them the option to renew and let them make the choice.

You may be better served with a market where you would have more purchase options and more margin (equates to less risk).I like San Diego RE.

While you might find a lender offering low down payment options, you'll still need cash reserves for repairs, maintenance, emergency fund (ideally 3-6 months of expenses), etc.

I also know a few property managers I can recommend who are responsive and experienced with investors.Let me know when you finalize your travel dates—I’d love to meet up while you’re in town and show you a few options!