Starting out, buy a shabby condo and live-in/flip it.

Another option is house hacking—buying a small multi-unit, living in one, and renting the rest to cut costs.

If you're a single mom with student loans, a car payment, and living paycheck-to-paycheck, then $20,000 would be devastating and a reserve is critical.

I would pull a FHA loan for $665,000 and live in one side and rent the other side out to a family member for $2,000 a month.

Easy living, comfortable furniture.

Buyers don't look for financing and its foreign so they don't jump on a forsale listing on zillow.I've had the best (only) luck with zillow rental adds,   starting with the pitch;  rent to own, live in a great home while you pay off owning it. 

Quote from @Brendan Doherty': I’ve read in books of people getting past having to live in the property they own so they can rent all units year one of ownership(living on the property with an rv).

I’m based out of state so would be looking for a company that could assist with day-to-day issues as well as securing tenants.

Screening everyone over 18 helps reduce the risk of costly evictions and ensures you’re fully informed about who will be living in your property.Additionally, be mindful of the number of occupants and how it might impact your property.

However, the units I see myself living in all barely break even on cashflow.