Success in this field doesn’t happen overnight—it requires years of strategic investing, continuous education, and persistence.The key is to focus on growing markets, quality neighborhoods, and building a strong support team.

I have seen this range from as low as $100 up to $300.Do I need to pay anything before sitting at the closing table?

So, go with a good solution on the deadbolt.Screw a lockbox in a wall near the door for an emergency physical key.Find a locksmith that can rekey the doors between tenants - put ALL locks on the same key.Most electronic locks warn you when the battery is getting low.

Too many low income apartment buildings near by / vacant buildings. 

Just taxes will be 20k.I would run numbers like this:Property 1.5 million (minimum)Construction (Cheap end) 2.14 mHolding Costs (at least 150k)In my book, even according to your calculation, that means you put in at least (those numbers are on the low end): 3.8m! 

The land is in a very non-desirable area pretty much in the middle of no where so I would assume the cost of the land is low but don’t know how the ROI would be after you had the infrastructure up and running.

@Austin Williams - Leveraging a VA loan for a house hack is such low-hanging fruit for financial freedom.

Then definitely get a quality PM and rent it out for a bit.

@Chris Wagner- That's just too low an amount to make the claim worth it. 

With a purchase price of $250k, your rent is WAY too low!