I think the key to getting a good start in REI is finding a way to have a high 9 to 5 income and using a good portion of it  invest in your real estate endeavors. 

I really do think these turn keys are a great option, especially for out of state investors. 

Quote from @Tod DuBois: Another Furnished Finder POT cancelled on me after I went out of my way and paid to review them on Key Check and signed up for Key Check contracts, made two contracts, allowed a pet and still, two days before the check-in, they did not sign.

This knowledge is key.

One thing my property management company does, is that we give the tenant a move-in checklist before we give them the keys.

If you go RBTR, here are a few key criteria I've seen to assure comfort of living and lower vacancy / turnover:- at least 400sqft per tenant and no more than 2 tenants to 1 full bath -excess parking where folks aren't blocking each other in and you're not getting complaints from your neighbors about overtaking the street parking.

If you want to use a retirement account to invest in real estate the key is to avoid the tax and withdrawal penalties.

The location is key, with easy access to transportation, parks, and the rich cultural heritage of the area.

What is your price point and are you looking for turn-key properties or something along the lines of a "fixer upper"?

Given the photo of that fix/flip, I assume you're OK with a "fixer upper" or would you prefer a turn-key rental?