the 'best way' is a loaded question, the least terrifying way might be to buy a duplex and live in one side while renting the other.Your first deal probably isn't the best time to be initiated into the world of hard money lending ... and if you live in your investment, you are eligible for that sweet, sweet, owner occupied FHA financing.

But in my area, the 130k to 180k price range seems to be the sweet spot.

And the sweet cherry on top was the fact that my landlord was letting me break my lease under the condition that I move out by Dec 23rd. 

Chattanooga is a pretty sweet place overall and cost is still relatively low. 

They only want vanilla sweet deals to give the best terms.

A 'bad' neighborhood to one investor might be a sweet spot for another investor.

@Ben MorandYou may find 5-10 unit properties not pencilling out as well due to less volume but the same commercial financing as bigger props, 10-20 could be your sweet spot.

Sweet.

I think one key piece of this if you bought it is the pricing, finding that sweet spot that attracts the perfect clientele you are looking for.

Here is the regs for Angel Fire - https://www.angelfirenm.gov/34...A quick rundown on VRBO and AirBNB shows me that the 3/4 bedroom SFHs seem to be the sweet spot for nightly at around $240 average.