I agree with  @Shannon Smith to start with house hacking, it's just the simplest way to do a deal and get some experience.

The simplest answer is buy the best you can afford to buy.

Honestly, the cheapest, simplest way to test this is with a receptacle tester, easily available from Lowe's or Home Depot for under $10. 

The simplest calculations is ROE, Return on Equity:Net Income/ market Value of EquityThe only way the ROE could ever equal 0 is if you had no income. 

Most of these folks have swallowed the marketing whole and believe it's the simplest thing in the world. 

I personally think that, ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL, holding forever is the simplest, least stressful path to wealth in RE.But some people, like Joe for example, clearly thrive on the process of recycling, and I suspect the thrill of the hunt.  

Now for this turn key company they sounded like they got frustrated and your talk devolved into something that did not end well.So it is a happy mediumbut at the end of the day its just real estate buying a SFR rental is not all that complicated its the easiest simplest real estate transaction out there short of buying bare lot in a subdivision.Its no different than buying a home here in Portland.. you order your inspections your lender gets your appraisal..

Yeap...The simplest solution is generally the right one.

@Darren Budahn I've learned the hard way not to share my exact target locations in Atlanta and elsewhere, but will share that we're able to collect higher than market rents by focusing on an employment niche that value proximity to the airport and a few other secret ingredients that we can then charge a premium for.  

There is a basis for each and all of the ingredients - both all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions and the sesame seed bun.