I'm wondering how anyone does it in this area, or maybe I just have not been looking for long enough.I really would like to purchase in my area as it would be my first rental property, and I am most familiar with the northern VA area If this is not to be, I also am wondering what markets nearby would be better.I’m also in Fairfax County, and you’re absolutely right: Fairfax County and much of Northern VA are tough markets for cash flow, especially starting out without a substantial down payment.

Once you are familiar with what a good investment looks like, then you can create a rule of thumb to help you analyze property faster and only dig deep on the ones that look promising.Here's a guide that describes what good cash flow looks like and how to analyze a property.https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rental-property-cash-flow...

Sorry, I guess it's a little difficult for me to describe since I'm not a financial expert familiar with the terminology.

And my goal of trying it out would just to get familiar so I could potentially buy in a much better market. 

Just moved to North Florida and looking for a CPA who’s familiar with these types of scenarios. 

I would start with single family and small multifamily to get familiar with the real estate market and make sure this is something you're passionate to do for the next 20 years and then grow into bigger multifamily deals.I hope this helps.

You'll see some familiar names thrown around a lot: Stessa, Apartments.com, RentRedi, TenantCloud, Innago, RentManager, Avail, Rentec Direct, Doorloop, etc.I recommend you search for each app online and see what they offer, how much they charge, etc.

In my case, I renewed a lease because they are great tenants one one floor in a 3 familiar.  

It is an area you are likely more familiar with and closer to which could be helpful for your first investment and as @Sarah Kensinger metioned, you may be able to do a MTR.  

Not familiar with that option.