I’m open to exploring those locations since they aren’t too far of a drive.I’m leaning towards a SF property because I have $10,000 to put down, want to stay within my budget, and being new to this, I’d like to start small.

Are you looking to stay in the city? 

If you are not well capitalized, meaning you can not pay off the loan if called, stay away from sub to.  

Tenants prefer detached housing over attached housing and stay longer. 

We'll lose money for 75-90 days but the new rent is market so some will stay and not forcing people that can't afford it to move in the middle of a very cold winter I think buys a tiny bit of good will and is the decent thing to do.

Stay for the forums, avoid the Bigger Pockets upsells and you will be golden.

If you stay in Northern Minnesota you could look to locate closer to Duluth which has a large supply of duplexes at prices much below $500K.

Stay there one night and test it yourself.

People will sleep on it if it is decent and allows them to stay with the family.

The housing market is always changing, and staying informed is the key to making smart moves.