But most ethnic groups always start in large cities.  

If you don’t care about maximizing loan amount then you could start whenever.

It's a more affordable market and lower property taxes, so you may actually have a chance to cash flow.

Examine the bottom half from every angle - how much you can make, what else you can get for your money (don't worry about how much you make on these, they are time suck and the lower half of your portfolio)That's a good place to start.

I'd say just start your search with all 2-4 unit properties, and when you find one where the numbers make sense and it checks your other boxes (somewhere you actually want to live and house hack), then it probably makes sense. 

My guess solely looking at your numbers is that it's an older/distressed property which means you have to account for more costs in capex. 2nd thought being it's not in the best of neighborhood then you'd have to take into consideration lower quality tenants/ neighbors and maybe increase expected vacancy and late payments.

Quote from @Melanie Baldridge: Why I like investing in real estate more than 401(k)s.Both offer tax deferrals, but here's the difference:If you're making pre-tax contributions to your 401(k), then withdrawals = ordinary income tax.With real estate gains, you're paying capital gains tax (which is typically lower).Plus, RE investors get:1.

It's OK to be more tenacious with negotiating down, and make the most out of a slowing market to buy at lower prices.

And then you have started. 

I would personally use some of that equity and get started with your first property.