Allentown is a great city, lots of jobs, great infrastructure, Close to many attractions, but its gotten too expensive.

But just be aware you will be sharing a space with someone and not being home all the time to monitor the house opens yourself up to potential risks and liabilities.Another option to get into real estate is to consider passive real estate investments.

.: Quote from @Joe Fish:Long-term fixed rate debt and quality location are arguably going to be the biggest two biggest hedges against the play against infrastructure and land.  

Additionally, explore technology tools that streamline remote property management tasks, such as online rent collection platforms and smart home systems for monitoring.

The issue is that if I choose to invest in LTRs not in Coastal Carolina, I lose the ability to monitor and check in on the property without a very long commute.

If you are looking for funds to make infrastructure improvements you could try the SBA and/or do some research for any State financial assistance. 

Also keep in mind the age and infrastructure charges associated with a property.

If you are putting up cameras to monitor your tenants, such as putting a camera over the patio, that would probably be an invasion of privacy. 

If you're also living in one of the units it'll be easier for you to monitor this and make sure everyone is comfortable in your place.

Going to monitor and see others feedback as well, thanks for posting!