Tell us more about financing the down payment…did you use family/friends or a HELOC on another property or something else? 

“We are known as a landlord friendly state, and that attracts a lot of capital,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said in an interview.

In 2012 a friend of mine purchased 100 of these houses for $300,000.  

You ask me for tips  on properties that aren't going to be on everyone's list.My friend, listen to me carefully. 

A friendly note on using pre-designed plans...they start out cheap but rarely ever end up cheap.

Be Friend-ly - NOT their Friend. 

With going rate right now, as I am friends with other owners on my street and have their opinions, I could easily get $1800-$2k/month.

I hate to say this because i am totally against it, but you can borrow from friends and business associates, try and find aomeone who can contribute not only funds, but also strategy (since you're new).It's great to have lofty goals, just remember you need to find a way to pave the road to your end goals. 

Quote from @Bob Stevens: Quote from @Nadeem Alamgir: Try interviewing some investor-friendly agents who specialize in sourcing off-market deals.

The market was increasing and we were able to find an off-market deal from some friends who held the property for over a year had no interest in fixing it up.