I too appreciated your response, so your recommendation will hold a lot of weight. 

I have seen this range from as low as $100 up to $300.Do I need to pay anything before sitting at the closing table?

These platforms typically have billing policies where you pay a per unit fee per month to the software and you get regular updates and support each month.There are a number of low-cost platforms available that are able to offer you a lower price by passing along some of the costs to your tenants (payment processing fees, applications, tenant screening, etc).

Prices are still relatively low compared to many other metros, and rental demand remains strong.I built my portfolio to 12 doors there while living in Detroit (now back in California) and have seen firsthand how the right strategy can still work.

The problem is: A traditionally financed low-down payment house-hack with traditional long-term rents simply won't cash flow during occupancy, or after, in many MCOL-HCOL markets in the US. 95% leverage at even 5.7% just won't work in a lot of cases right now.

One with low cash, one with some owner financing and a little less price. 

I'm currently renting and when  decided I wanted to focus on real estate investing, I decided not to buy in Tampa because of the low MF inventory and in home house hacking is not for me.

I have a wife and 3 kids and the weight of their futures on my back.

Just focus on running the numbers carefully to ensure the property cash flows or at least covers expenses, and don’t hesitate to lean on resources here for advice.If you’re financing, look into FHA loans, as they’re great for first-time buyers purchasing up to 4-unit properties with low down payments.

Basically all up and down the mid west markets.but you get to other areas of the country were used houses sell for more than New construction  and there are low inventories etc.. and trying to talk someone into a lease with the option to buy  is much tougher to a basic non starter..