If you're in a high-cost area, consider out-of-state markets where you could buy a rental property outright. 

You can put the SEV value in this website for a tax estimate.  

@Melissa Vass ScottI would reach out to Canadian brokerages and see if it is available.

Don't just find out how it's all licensed and check on any historical issues with it, no you want to meet with local board members, find out how they really feel about the place and what the cities wants and plans are for the place.

@Hiyun Park only experienced investors can DIY everything in Class C Midwest areas like Detroit, Cleveland, St Louis, etc.Hopefully the info below will help you:-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

@Marcus Retter welcome to BP.It's a great community.I've been investing in Albuquerque for 10 years, and you can find some good deals there.Personally, I live in Santa Fe.There are several active Meetups that you can join to get around to other investors.Networking is really important.Get out there and make connections with other investors; that is how I got started. 

Hi Matt, also check right here on BP.  

If you enter at this point, be prepared to ride this wave.

Then my current primary home will be rented out to balance the cash flow of this purchase for the next year or so.

Just check the facts and figures.Like you suggested, there are various opinions, which are all valuable and it's great like that.