Larger owners tend to analyze market rents monthly or even weekly and manage rents (or incentives) the best way they can.As long as the owner is engaged, the chance of adjusting rents is higher.

As I am new to this and looking for cashflow using rentals, one key aspect of this investment is to ensure that the unit rents out quickly and while I do understand that cash flow to begin with might not be attractive, it can be a good investment in the long run if the location is right(as appreciation also kicks in).

Starting sooner rather than later allows you to benefit from long-term appreciation, build equity, and gain hands-on experience, even with a smaller property.

You can us a VA Loan to buy a 1-4 unit property as long as you live in one of the units. 

If you find belongings inside, look closer to see if the tenant has been abandoned or is just gone for a long vacation, hospitalized, in jail, etc.

Long term goals in mind that I need a track record and capital for! 

This can also work with long-term rentals if you end up wanting to do that.

Quote from @Reed Rickenbach: John - as long as you are still following strict screening criteria I agree for single family.

It has a lot going for it from a long-term rental/cash on cash return perspective, but I’m not too sure about short term rental demand and occupancy.

@Joshua MiddletonI am very familiar with that street, good friend used to rent Long term on it for about 7 years.