I called the city to see if they would be willing to lower the property taxes or do anything to help with the fact that parking is so limited.

My question is based on the following:lets say you put down 20% on 300K property which is 60k (plus closing costs ) and you are breaking even with you mortgage + other expenses(taxes ,management fees,...) included.

Propstream allows you to pull niche lists of homeowners that are tax delinquent, failed listings, high equity, or even in preforeclosure.

I would also consider taxes into your situation. 

Can I write off my real estate education costs on my taxes?   

The suburbs will be higher taxes but generally better schools and higher income tenants.

Trying to hold off until after the first of the year for tax purposes.

Location is not an issue as most of them remotely assist RE clients with their tax planning and accounting. 

This would allow you to put 3% down on FHA loan and rent out the others to offset, hopefully cover, your mortgage payment + taxes + insurance. 

Townhome cost about $250/mo (mortgage, tax, insurance,) less.