The lower end demographic like to know what their monthly expenses are and having variable utilities is a negative to them.

And amazing how job cost can lower with the same innovations that are in other fields like technology.

Baltimore has a lot of old townhouses, but I buy only in solid working class or lower middle class neighborhoods where I'd feel comfortable living myself - mostly in Baltimore county, not city. 

My investment property is a 4-unit in Michigan that was appraised at $69,000 which was much lower than I had expected, but that’s actually not the problem.  

This will rent lower than others in the area. 

House hacking may be a great way to start.  1-4 unit place.. live in 1 unit.. rent the others... pay a lower downpayment so you have cash reserves to strike on property # 2 I am in your area often on the weekends.. be open to a coffee and convo.Welcome to BPJim 

I used a VA loan to finance it, I'm now looking into using a FHA loan due to lower money down and the ability make repair on a home.

We’re thinking maybe we could buy a property, maybe a townhouse, on the lower end so our mortgage isn’t too high, but it won’t cash flow for sure.

Or buy a lower price property that needs some love that has 4 units that would rent out for around $800-900 each.

The home was not in a multiple offer situation and we negotiated for a lower price.