There is a growing trend of apartment owners investing in submetering systems for water as these have gotten more affordable.

Once the time is right, with enough research, I would jump into a market (hopefully local if affordable) and get started.

I also plan on starting to have my realtor send me MLS properties that popup in the Indianapolis area and start looking through numbers and pricing to see what I can afford and be beneficial.

Hyattsville and surrounding areas are more affordable than other parts of the metro. 

Currently situated in San Diego and can only afford rent for now because house prices in SoCal are bonkers.

This simple update has big implications for property owners, allowing small repairs and maintenance to be handled more quickly and affordably.

Getting pre-approved you'll know how much you can afford. 

., get a higher paying job, work two jobs, go to trade school, get a higher paying degree, live in affordable area, etc...these are things that most of us did).

I agree that is will be a gamble as to how well it will do.Also, ask the owner if they will entertain partial owner financing to keep from dragging family and friends into this risky business venture.Maybe even rent from owner for a year with right to sublease to see how it goes before committing to a purchase.

Focus on neighborhoods near employers or schools, and explore slightly outside Austin for more affordable options.