The Gator method is apparently one technique that may have some flaws that have been exposed here but may also be just the motivator for some people who would not otherwise even have taken a chance to get involved in real estate "investment."

It also offers a chance to shift into something more passive, reducing the hands-on management that seems to be more of a hassle now that you’ve moved.That said, the rental income potential from your properties is worth noting, but there’s a limit to how much you can boost your cash flow, especially after already making significant upgrades.

I think it's at least 50% chance that you'll lose money buying in an unknown inexpensive market.

I personally do not own any rentals here in orange county but we do have clients in that live in orange county and many of them have to go out into riverside county or San Bernardino county to be able to cash flow and just barely nothing crazy.

My online license course barely mentioned regular mortgage financing.

I have zero connections in NC, but if by chance something emerges, I'll let you know!

You hold it long enough or pay it off faster, now you got a property for low initial investment with a chance of cash flowing a nice amount when I get older.

Back when I first had the idea of real estate investing, creative financing was my only option, seeing as I had little capital on hand and even less of a chance that any lender would talk to me. 

There's a very good chance the issue(s) you face have already been discussed and answered.Ask questions in the appropriate forum.

I came across Bigger Pockets a few months ago and have been learning on my own by listening to podcasts (RE Rookie, On the Market, BP RE Podcast) and reading the various recommended books every chance I get.