It's a super affordable real estate market where you can still find deals that hit the 1% rule anywhere from $120-180k purchase price (or $200-250k for multifamily).

After you find a great realtor, I do recommend getting pre-approved asap so you can be qualified for financing and know exactly how much you can afford for a property.

I'm not bullish where I live, Portland, OR (high prop taxes, tougher landlord laws, affordability, etc.). 

Affordable?

Great points, ZharaBirmingham has relatively steady and diverse rental demand, and I’ve seen many investors I work with have success with C/B class buy-and-holds.Location is key—areas near UAB, major employers, and popular suburbs tend to have the strongest rental demand, while C/D class markets offer solid affordable housing and Section 8 opportunities.

I was going to suggest wood if unable to afford vinyl.

If its a DSCR loan it is less relevant whereas a bridge loan may look harder at your current financials to make sure you can afford the loan. 

To keep these approvals valid, developments should secure public investment to support housing affordability and ensure that at least 50% of the units are affordable.

When it comes to good cash flow, I’m usually aiming for something with strong upside potential—higher-end of the affordable market, in a gentrifying area, with a double-digit cap rate around 10%.

Every line item will have a separate cost.Verify that they are licensed and provide proof of insurance.Fixed price – No matter how low the hourly rate, you can not afford to pay hourly.