Quote from @Edward Barrett: New investor here trying to stay in my local market (Dayton, OH).Since I've started looking for my first deal I've come across a few section 8 properties that seem to pencil, but I'm a bit loath to jump into that kind of deal.

Because it was a new construction, the land that was built up around the property did not have time to even grow grass, so it was easily washed away.

But she loves the idea of owning real estate and the financial wealth it brings.When I found my first deal, I showed her the potential upside and she trusted me.

Pull your tenant-landlord laws for your area and arm yourself with as much education as you can about being a first time landlord. 

Purchase price: $270,000 Cash invested: $20,000 Sale price: $360,000 Purchased a house to rent out and complete smaller but necessary renovations and cosmetic updates over time.

PS this is how I became a home builder in the first place I had funded a GC who controlled the payments and of course in the GFC he did not pay..

Time is totally on your side. 

Make sure your first rental cash flows well by running the numbers as if you were buying it today.

Here's an ideal PM contract: The two keys are: The PM is incentivized to make you money, not charge high fees, and is contractually bound to provide reporting that you can understand in a timely manner. 

Being 19 you have plenty of time.