I’ve already put down a $2,000 earnest deposit and paid for the inspection and appraisal.This event is unprecedented in the area, as the area is typically low in violence and considered very safe.

April is the only real low month.It's a funky place -- essentially a 5 room motel (originally built 1959) with a manager's unit (built 1984) tacked onto it. 

If you're just starting, focus on free or low-cost resources to build your foundation, and consider mentorship later if you need personalized guidance or want to accelerate your progress.Good luck!

I've seen some as low as 6k and as much as 14k annually.

Your estimate seems low, but even at that cost, it will not add that value.  

One with low cash, one with some owner financing and a little less price. 

Rents have been pretty close to what the housing authorities advertise, sometimes even a bit higher.Fort Wayne’s a solid spot with low taxes and good cash flow—definitely worth looking into.

The area has certain advantages like shelter from regulation risk (pretty much as low as anywhere in the country if you buy in the approved STR tourist zones) and long term security (people aren't going to stop going to Orlando anytime soon). 

say you find a solid property in a low cost market for $200K and you buy it.between down payment, closing costs, rent ready / spruce up costs, and lease-up costs, you're probably going to need at least 50-65K in cash. 

Many would suggest against RE investing using retirement money but if you go into low risk opportunities it can be a powerful diversification method.