I would ideally buy a triplex or fourplex but it might be tough to find in the neighborhoods I'm considering.What Kirk said is true, but aren't you in school (grad school at that)? 

Now I’m a middle school English teacher.

Zipcode parameters - Crime, Transportation/walkability, homeowners/rentals ratio, school rank, population demographic parameters, median house income, etc.2.

Doesn't Columbia have several med schools there? 

Of course, school is different than reality, but this experience leads me to believe I am capable of navigating the details of financing and refinancing a rental property investment. - I work for a company that sells home decorative goods to mass market retailers.

How are the schools?

Ive been on the sidelines for about 2 years as my wife is in grad school and we have been living on one income.

I did some research on neighborhood scout and took a look at schools and rentals in the area and it seems like it's a pretty nice little town. 

I probably wouldn’t be able to house hack due to me going to school about 1.5 hrs away during the school year.

I work full time and also have been going back to school to finish my degree.