-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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?

Spend what’s needed to upgrade with reliable mechanical systems, roof that doesn’t leak, remediate all mold; interior design modernized; in other words a place that will attract a higher income no hassle tenant.  

I’m an investor and student of the game when it comes to building passive income and a solid portfolio.

Go straight into focusing on creative finance, subject to, and minimal cash down deals and build from there.I want to hear your thoughts on what direction to take here if you were in my shoes given these constraints (full time job and a few thousand saved) and you want to optimize for passive income first, then value appreciation?

Quote from @Brandon Croucier: Financing a commercial MF that runs as an STR is possible.Appraising a property based on the income is not, whos to say a buyer would STR the property. 

Also, focus on 2 years of job/income stability.Class D Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciationVacancy Est: 20%+ should be used to cover nonpayment, evictions & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores under 560 (almost 30% probability of default), little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, recent evictions.

@Brad Kanouse Using Traditional IRA funds for an investment property typically incurs income tax and a 10% penalty if you’re under 59½, as investment properties don’t qualify for tax exemptions.

Don't change jobs or income yet.Once you do and you think you can manage the payments based on your new income, maybe once you get the rooms rented.Then if you want to switch there are plenty of opportunities. 

That should cover 2 rental income periods, returning $660 to your pocket.

Here’s how using a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) to invest in real estate enhances these benefits, especially for those looking to diversify their retirement portfolio: Tax-Advantaged Growth: Real estate investments inside a self-directed account grow tax-deferred (traditional SDIRA) or tax-free (Roth SDIRA), meaning rental income, appreciation, and even gains from selling the property stay shielded from taxes until withdrawal—or forever in the case of a Roth!