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. 

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

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). 

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

Perhaps reach out to local agents who work with a lot of buyers in your market and see if any of them need a place to rent while they house shop (inventory is still low).

Common sources of such properties include:Foreclosures: Homes that have been repossessed by banks due to non-payment.Distressed Properties: Homes that are in poor condition and need a lot of work.Auctions: Properties sold at auction for below market value.Off-market Deals: Properties that aren't listed on the MLS but are available for sale through direct outreach or networking.The key is to buy a property at a price low enough to ensure that even after renovations, the home will appraise for a higher value.2.

@Armani Pimentel Yes, I believe that wholesaling is generally not the way to go, because it is getting banned, there are people who try to take advantage of aspiring entrepreneurs like you, and it is extremely low probability. 

If you can’t do a 1031 to a non-income tax state, figure out a year when you will have lower income and tax rates ar as low as possible.

Preferably low or no money down as best seller would be one only interested in the monthly incomeI then sell said first property and take that cash to buy the investment I am really wanting and I get the terms I want.only thing I don’t know about yet is, how to dodge the tax on the sale of the initial property?