Everything seems so expensive 1million + around Tempe which is near ASU ..to be honest  im not trying to go that deep.

Property managers can also be expensive.

Be super careful if you aren’t able to make these mortgage payments out of pocket if no rent comes in or a large capex expense “suddenly” comes up. 

Super expensive - this is the only major deciding factor, if the house is vacant even for a month or two, I will loose a lot of money2.

Take in-place leases and expenses, forecast stabilized rents and expenses, understand the financing requirements (LTV, DSCR, reserves, net worth, liquidity covenants, etc).  

The median sale price rose to $350,000, reflecting a substantial 10.8% increase from the previous year.Total housing inventory showed a notable 19.2% increase from a year ago which is much needed.Half of the homes sold were under contract in 23 days or less, a slight increase from the previous month but a decrease from a year ago.For sellers, 43.5% of homes sold for the asking price or above, with 21.5% selling for more than the asking price.

My goal is to cover monthly housing expenses and then eventually to cover cost of living expenses beyond that by purchasing a few mid term rental properties.

Branches or roots of trees, bushes, or plants on neighboring property.A landowner has the right to demand that the branches or roots of a neighbor's trees, bushes, or plants, that extend over or into his property be trimmed at the expense of the neighbor.A landowner does not have this right if the roots or branches do not interfere with the enjoyment of his property.Acts 1977, No. 514, §1.https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2022/civil-code/artic...Also see here:  Dealing With Neighbors And Trees

So I told her I would be willing to do it gradually because its an expensive project.

You will need to use 3rd party management and others to perform work at the home.... further expenses and improvements.