If I find out where they live next, I'll send them my contractor's bill and a small claims court paperwork.

There are some exceptions, but the HOA dues normally kill your returns and there are all kinds of other issues having tenants living close together. 

I live and invest in Milwaukee since 2007, so probably a little bias here, but we are set up very well for future growth. 

Quote from @Scott Mac: Safety - Inherit a fully paid for SFH, in decent condition, in the neighborhood you live in, and rent it out to long term tenants who you are comfortable with.

But these two live and work it and dont sell e ducation.

If you’re just starting or want to minimize risk, house hacking is a killer move—grab a duplex, live in one unit, rent the other, and let it pay down your mortgage while you scale up.

Note - if you live in your property for 2 years out of the last 5, then you don’t pay taxes on the profit. 

I live in Raleigh and can tell you that the 40% was not all apple. 

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. 

Buy in an area you want to live and renting to the people you want to rent to.