I'm a realtor/investor/str specialist in Hilton Head and too have properties in both Beaufort & Charleston, as well as several STR's on HHI.Both plays are great - Beaufort due to the low acquisition prices & immense appreciation potential.

The value and usability of a well made low cost, very energy efficient home is real. 

Were there particular surprises or maintenance costs?

Be careful about the neighborhoods, there are some neighborhoods in the counties that I won't put money into based on downward trends of maintenance and appearance.

When you graduate, continue renting it and move on to a house hack.I am 100% against "Low or No Money Down" philosophy unless you are an advanced investor that can take the additional risk.

You estimated 5% ($100) each for maintenance and capital expenses which is good, BUT you entered $0 for vacancy and $0 for management.

Spend 100 hours materially participating and more time then anyone else involved (cleaners, maintenance people etc) 3.

Hello, I am just starting out and have my first property renting out bring back around $900 a month while no maintenance or other issues arise.

I would consider a HELOC on an existing property and just do cash or a Hard Money Loan that can lend to that low of property price/total loan amount. 

I knew there was no way the home was going to sell at that low of a price in that area and I knew that the new inspection would require a few things.