I really just got involved in real estate investing a month or so ago when I put my starter home that I bought 6 years ago up for rent, and bought a bigger house. 

I would try and look at the whole picture in your applications and not just two data points.I am guessing some with the 650 score and income 3 times rent  (depending on how you figure it) could be within striking distance of buying some lower end condos or even starter homes in the area. 

I have some some starter cash.

We wanted our first investment to cash flow very well, and we felt that this would be a good starter investment for us to build capital for another STR or even an LTR.How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

You would need hot and cold water supply, sink water drain pipes, gas or 220v supply for ranges, and ventilation for starters.  

I think rentals are a great starter for most folks and when you get to a point in your investing career you start to see a bigger playing field and other opps within RE that are lucrative and fun without dealing with tenants.

For starters, there is an old adage in real estate that if there is a deal the money will come.

Every single successful entrepreneur that I know is a self-starter and not a single one of them has a paid mentor or coach.Real estate is a simple business.

That was my starter home which today I still own and rent out.

If not, it's a non-starter unless you're willing to switch.