It might not be the best in the world re. appreciation, but everyone has to live somewhere, and if you're stuck in a market that doesn't have great historical returns, you may as well get paid to be there. 

Answers to questions...Yes.Yes.Equity for the return.20+ % sounds good.Who cares what the return is on a $100 investment, you may as well wait tables n get 20+%5

I have been planning on starting Real Estate at some point in my life and figured I may as well start right away as I believe it is the best way to invest.

If it is a rental property you own you may a have a few less options but may have better luck with smaller community banks.

I have recently graduated college with a Bachelors in May. A

Plus if it doesn't appreciate then you may as well have just payed rent.Can you afford to hold for a few years after the equity builds?

I am at least 2-3 years out from buy our "nice house", so I may as well start building my snowball now.  

You may as well prepare to serve notice as soon as you legally can so you can move forward and get the property rented to a good tenant.

They are making a nice commission so you may as well utilize that resource.

@Maya Tuvia I personally use Appfolio and love it, but I know they have a minimum, and does have a huge learning curve.I think Buildium might be a good fit for you.