They got into the business to buy homes for themselves.

There is a lot to learn as its very different than just buying a stock. 

Anything worth buying would be $200k+ with most rent in the area going for $1,000 per month.

There are a few options that some people have used when they were looking to buy a new home before selling (and ran into DTI issues). 

However, I would not buy in the areas you mentioned too expensive.

Buy places in nice areas because those also tend to weather downturns better. 

The tenant has been a problem from the beginning, such as behind in rent for a year, buys a brand-new Jeep, lies about ex-husbands job, child support, court cases, etc...Now, the house needs a new deck, so I went up to inspect it.

Hello Everyone,I am trying to buy a Condo (2 bedroom 1 bath).

Not to mention, where should I buy first?

I prefer under-valued, distressed, poorly managed, properties needing updating/rehabbing in markets where I can buy at a discount and build equity and cash flow for my time and investment.