If your rentals are not primary residence quality for you then sell one or two and 1031 into something that would make a good residence.  

For instance buying a 50k rental in the mid west may be small change to some so they say what the heck I don't need to see it I will shop just like I shop at Amazon and buy it basically on line.Others will spend much time and money checking it out.. flying there and making certain its for them.I do think one way to dial for dollars is to contact those that bundle it up for you IE turn key type companies.. and I think a lot of time can be saved by talking with a few reputable PM's in a given market.. they will for sure be able to tell you were the management intense areas are.. and one's that are easier for them to manage. ( Ie code for quality of tenant) 

Maybe hold for several years and upgrade as I grow.Any thoughts from other investors that may have started in the lower priced houses and then worked up to nicer/better quality properties?

The quality of applicants hasn't been great so far so we have started to consider short-term rentals through Airbnb and Furnished finders.

As for the quality of the house, you'll most likely get that from the inspection.

Originally posted by @Evan Polaski:@Dan NikolichHave a lot more money available than you think you needPaying more for a good contractor upfront is cheaper than paying twice to fix the cheap contractors mistakesPaying for quality work will increase the value of your project and get you higher returns in the end. 

I am now getting my first home and iwant to airbnb the bottom half of the home and fix it up nice to attract high quality travelers.

I have a high quality lead from a family friend.

It got messy for a while before I achieved critical mass with payroll vs revenue but now we have quality control, internal training, great culture, and are able to innovate with great people. 

It looks like a high quality unit.