It wouldn't cost too much more to hire a property manager and they would do all the work for you.There are services available for screening that won't cost you a dime or require any effort on your part.

I picked up a house in Third Ward for $17,500 with inherited tenants that didn’t want to leave and have been collecting $750 a month rent for the past 3 years and I haven’t spent a dime on repairs as they said the tenant is a handyman and had been doing his own repairs, and when I go sell I can probably sell for $85k “as is” due to land value. 

They won't nickle and dime you when (as I am) you are a serial buyer.

because it doesnt cost them a dime to do it, and its in the RLA that the seller signs when the agent takes the listing(full disclosure)and the agents biggest fear is that the property will be sold by another agent"swooping" in on their gig.

. , get the customer lined up before spending a dime.

Also, ask yourself, if you could buy two SFH's for the same or less money and weigh the options.I recommend that get to know your numbers before spending a dime or signing a contract.

I completely agree with Ned.Is your thought process risking being another nickel and dime routine?

I'll take fast nickels over slow dimes (even though slow dimes are still nice).

A 4-bedroom (in my area) can rent for $1000-$1100 a month whereas a 3-bedroom is about $850-$900 and a 2-bedroom can be $750-800. 4 bedroom SFH seem to be more rare except in worse neighborhoods. 3 bedrooms are a dime a dozen.

There are two things you can start doing right now without a dime in your pocket:Start having as many conversations as you can with sellers in trouble that somehow involves real estate.