Remember you pay the HOA fees even when it is empty...so when market is slow and it takes 2-3 months to rent, not only are you paying your mortgage, but also 300-$1000/month HOA fees.   

Just remember to consider the local job market, population growth, and rental demand when making your decision.

My philosophy is to catch negative reviews before they happen AND to make it easier for happy guests to remember to rate and review.

Sorry for the following Contrarian advice, but you're not a 5 year old so:The only reason to buy a personal residence (Home) is because someone is forcing you to.Usually, this person is called your Spouse (which is Latin for someone who forces you to make horrible financial decisions then criticizes you for them endlessly:)perhaps DON'T buy a home, just rent something affordable and invest the 20% or in your case 50% into the stock market (sp500 16.1% yearly return last 15 years, 11% last 50 years, 10% last 125 years)remember, your RENT is your maximum monthly housing expense, but your Mortgage is your minimum or starting monthly housing cost, it always goes up from thereI've, owned 2 personal homes, 100% appreciation in 6years on #1 and in 7 years on #2, (I timed our market perfectly both times), with 20% down and very low mortgage rates, but after honestly calculating all expenses, only made about 5-6% a year "investment wise".

I remember our conversation last January when you were talking about quitting your job but still had some "work" to do. 

(They will never answer)You also want to remember that if you, as a new investor, are seeing a wholesale deal come out via email, it's third servings.

Congratulations on deciding to take a big step by introducing yourself to the forums - while everyone is friendly and looking out for your success on these forums, I remember how intimidating it was making my first post introducing myself to the community 10 years ago and before I started working here. 

Remember the early days when you had little to no money to invest?

Remember you have mostly fixed expenses whether you have a tenant or not. - Are you ok with some months where you'll be vacant but have to pay rent still?

Now remember, wife as MAI Appraiser, I have seen these bonkers 3.25 cap's and we both just shake our head's saying "what in the hell are they thinking?".