It seems that pricing is a major concern based on the feedback.

Plus, population/housing density is also going to mean that the major urban area's of a state are going to skew the state's averages. 

Dont know your total situation , this idea may suck big time , BUT , if this prevents a major hit on your credit or a bankrupcy , you still have a roof over your head and it gives you time to regroup . 

With lots of major companies developing here like Intel, Amazon, Google, FB, Honda, etc., the population and number of jobs are growing - great macroeconomics overall!

vast majority of those type of properties never hit MLS .. 

Real estate investing is the safest, and most effective way to build wealth for the vast majority of Americans.  

I’m a recent graduate from community college and currently a senior at George Mason University, majoring in Information Technology with a concentration in cloud computing.

All these providers have in-house PM and have already done major capex so I think I've minimized my risk as best as I can, but again this is as much about the education as anything else so I'm trying to keep that in mind.Anyway, I look forward to this experiment with excitement and I'm cautiously optimistic it will go well.  

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+, zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680, some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

Look for major REAL COMPANIES that are KNOWN (which shows the founders KNOW what they are doing) and learn about the people behind the companies.