@Olecia Williams Though it's still possible to purchase a second/vacation home with only 10% down, it may not be your best option. 

Best place to start is reading up in the forums, buying a book or two, listening to the podcast and attending your local REIA.

You could also consider an open house showing. 2-3 hours on a weekend may allow a number of the people who have called and are interested in the property, to come in and all have a look as their time allows.

I would love to understand, as a first time REI - how to best identify a property that will have cash flow and positive cash on cash return (or even what kind of property)?  

Thank you for allowing me to join.  Excited to socialize, share, and learn. 

Just look at facts.

Your best bet is in the midwest or southeast.

As others have said there are many experienced RE agents, management companies, and so on...Best of luck to you! 

It sucks but is the best way that I know to hit the fast forward button on your investing journey - especially in the current market.

New construction in a saturated market isn’t always the best play if you’re looking for steady returns.A place like Rochester has way better fundamentals—lower buy-in, strong rent-to-price ratios, and stable demand from universities, hospitals, and major employers.