I needed cf and was the main metric I invested for.

In most areas the main house will cover the entire mortgage and the back house will be all cash flow after moving out.

The main question to my mind is what is the starting point.

Maybe I'm being optimistic but I can't find any reason our house won't be worth 280K+ with the 20k in updates (we've already knocked out walls and done some cosmetics in the main level- what we're after now is hardwood floors and bathrooms). 

Hi,I am a Realtor, but my main focus is fix and flips.

While I acknowledge that economic strength is just one facet of a good rental market, it is a major factor and I wanted to share what I've found (the details of my methodology and raw data can be found after the various rankings):Top 10 best economiesProvo-Orem, UTSalt Lake City, UTCharlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SCChicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WIDallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TXKansas City, MO-KSLongview, TXLouisville/Jefferson County, KY-INSan Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CABirmingham-Hoover, ALThere were two main factors to overall economic strength that I looked at – how diverse/broad the economy is and how many economic drivers (i.e. strength) the area has.

@Scott Morongell I mainly buy in B/Cs as well but I haven't bought larger apartments yet.

:0(Forced to sell home / condo - in 2009 - could not find suitable work = sustainable incomeGave away most all contents in condo = books, sofa, etc to SALVATION ARMY prior to saleBeen in Poverty for over a decadeFinally found work bagging groceries for 2+ years / 3 hours PER WEEK as ONLY JOB making $35 / wkI have been wearing mainly the same clothes for 15+ years - purchased some at Goodwill & SAVERSNo Gym memberships for 8+ years, just on and off as "guest" & walking the surrounding neighborhoodsNo Vehicle for 6+ yearsOn Food Stamps for 5 yearsLiving with Parent for support for 10 years and still here !!

@Bob Huggins My main online marketing for that target group is through Craigslist, nothing else. 

Expanding your portfolio will take some time, I'd be patient as your main goal of cash flowing is attainable and you sound to be on a good start.