But you do have the room sharing.. in Cupertino were you have a huge Asian population I know folks that will put two computer kids in each room for 4 bed house 8 techies and each paying 1k to 1500 a month.. can just about make it work since the houses are 2 mil. 

Partner Driven fully funded the transaction, covering the $17,000 purchase price.

Or do they leverage debt, and use the subsidies to cover the equity needed?

Where rent can cover all these expenses.

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

Once I get a few stable long term rentals maybe consider looking into such properties and cover aspects I am able to confirm. 

Do you happen to have an HOA covering the neighborhood?

However, in the off chance that I am not able to cover my gap funds (est. $200-$300K) from that small circle, how would you recommend I start branching out?

Maybe a major news outlet would be interested in covering your story.