Hi Daniel, condos can be a great low-maintenance option for LTRs, especially for absentee landlords since the HOA handles exterior upkeep.

However, appreciation is very low in cheap areas.

His credit score is fine but his income is showing too low to get the loan, so I though maybe I could use my HELOC to make the purchase and do a Lease to Own.

After 2 years you can apply for a “Rent consideration” (I think that’s what they called it) as long as you still live there and that may allow you to increase rents by more than the annual allowance (probably designed for unit that are very low rents).

Look for a location with low crime, then look for the neighborhoods with the best schools.

Memphis has a relatively low cost of living, and that’s reflected in the property prices.

We are looking for low maintenance (so primarily new construction or >2000 and well maintained/rennovated) single family homes.

Quote from @Omar Samaniego: Quote from @Bonnie Low: I've used Avail in the past, but switched to Baselane last year.

I see that real estate agents and brokers are too negative on sub to deals……investors looking for low interest rates and or low down payments are too positive on the same.As I stated the reality is somewhere in between, depending on individual circumstances.  

However, be cautious about focusing solely on low prices.