I have zero experience in real estate, but I can honestly say nothing has gotten and held my attention more than this subject.I am a management & program analyst with the federal government right now.

And it would also depends on types of properties being purchased where 20%  could be a couple of thousand and not ten thousand or more.Remember that the folks that are able to do those deals have also been at it for awhile and have built up their credibility among the investor community.

I have worked in Fl. as a government and private contractor so I know the prices there.

My sister does not declare depreciation on her rental because she is "as good or better at filling out the taxes as most CPAs" and "the government always gets paid."

@Daniel Dietz, gotta have a credible/real plan to move in within 60 days of loan funding for it to be an owner occupant mortgage.

After that's paid, I'd do the same with the government student loan.  4.  

The information you need should be available on line, All state/city landlord tenant regulations and codes should be readily available with a simple search.You need to know all the codes governing your business so you may as well start studying now.

Dover seems to be a good opportunity with colleges, Delaware government offices and an Air Force base. 

Mobiles in a community are subject to lot lease rates and community rules that you are responsible for similar to a condo except governed by the community owner.

Zillow and other sites will have some too of varying quality.Municipal governments may have properties tagged as rentals or owner-occupied if they conduct regular inspections, but that is inconsistent in Pennsylvania.