Hey @Jerry Nogueras - I was in your shoes too, born in NYC, and lived between there and Long Island. 

Buyers don't look for financing and its foreign so they don't jump on a forsale listing on zillow.I've had the best (only) luck with zillow rental adds,   starting with the pitch;  rent to own, live in a great home while you pay off owning it. 

All the rest live in other states or countries.

. --- They will offer to fix them in exchange for lower rent, but ask yourself, if the tenant has been living there for 25 years, why isn't everything fixed already?

South Carolina (where I live) is a great state for many things but not rental real estate.  

I’m trying to familiarize myself with the area more thoroughly.it seems to have a stable increase in prices.Since I plan to live in the property initially, breaking even in the first year is my main goal. (5% down; PMI removed with renovation)However, I’m also wondering if it’s feasible to have some cash flow from such rentals, or if the risk of vacancy is high in this market.Any guidance or pointers from those experienced in this area would be greatly appreciated!

When I tried to get it when my side of the family found out and tried tp take over reverse mortgage payments to bank because she had died it was to late so they sold the house to Hud and then other reverse mortgage companies but a relative still lives there so they can't kick them out.

I live in Farmington Hills.

For scaling your portfolio, consider house hacking another multi-family property to minimize living expenses while building equity.

Considering that, you are likely going to see appreciation year over year, which essentially will be additional equity you'd capture just by simply living in the home.