LuThe midwest region offers healthy returns. 

To pay that amount in that town means the taxes triple, and makes the return on investment, not really worth it.

I also would return their deposit minus standard cleaning - why?

For example, if you see 3% appreciation, your paid-off property increases in value by $3k, your leveraged properties increase in value by $12k--quadrupling your Return on Equity (ROE).

@Jacob D AdamczakThere is no one right answer and a lot of other factors beyond just the simple one at hand come into play - age, other savings, goals, time you expect to be with this employer, etc.That company match paired with the tax deduction you get on your own contribution are essentially free and immediate return on investment. 

You depreciate up to your basis regardless of your entity type.If you are a single member LLC, then literally nothing changes on your tax return. 

Find a market you like and BUY something that will provide decent returns and grow organically.

Remember a 1% appreciation in your property is actually multiple times more return for you depending on how much you put down.

If you are looking for 100% financing start to build an army of private investors looking for a return on their money.

In return, I get to live in one of the units for free.