I have no credit or income issues, just can't afford the 20% down payment in such an expensive market.  

Cant stand the company.To @John Matthews  If you are comfortable doing your own accounting I highly endorse Buildium - IMO for us smaller operators, its a great option, affordable and gives you all the features you need in a one stop shop plus GREAT and friendly support.  

So where are these places that are in somewhat affordable markets?  

I saw a lot of duplex's in Galveston that seemed to be much more affordable than the ones in Houston but may need to reconsider this idea. 

Many tenants will not sign for it, at the door or at the post office, and you can not afford taking that risk.

I can find a lot of money in 90 days for a performing asset...but I can't afford personal liability exposure.

I've flipped houses in areas I wouldn't want to live in and I've flipped houses in neighborhoods I can't afford (well don't want to spend that much anyway) to live in.  

Much more affordable than Southern California where I live.

I want to earn stable, passive income that can afford me time to enjoy my life, and pursue other deals.  

I think your very first step is to determine how much you can afford, and then go from there.