I'd say read Rich Dad, Poor Dad if you haven"t as well.

You may start off by figuring out what your tenants will be able to afford in rent and then you can see if there are properties that will meet your needs from that standpoint.  

St Louis seems to offer great units in good neighborhoods at affordable prices and some of the best numbers I can find.

If you are serious about buying wouldn't you want to know what you can afford to buy before you speak to an agent. 

I did not buy my first rental until I was at least 10 years in the business.. not because I could not afford it..

And, to echo Britt T, most inspectors probe but try not to make a mess….

Just make sure you can afford it, can afford to keep it, can maintain it and can sell it if you need to get out from under it.

He currently owns a primary residence so he knows the ins and outs of owning property.I currently own 3 properties in a major metro area in NE and looking to diversify to a more affordable area.  

PM me for referral to affordable developer.  

Both in need of a reno.This is a fake evaluation I can't afford anything right now and I'm just trying to relearn my approach after my last house was just short sold In VA beach.