A couple INEXPENSIVE things we do for our rentals to give them that "special touch" is carriage door hardware on garage doors and installing Howe Casing around the plate mirrors.

The only reason I bought it is so I could make it a nice home for a family, that was inexpensive to own and maintain.  

Lots of high rollers rolling around in their expensive cars, living in expensive houses, quite a luxurious lifestyle all based on a high income, who can keep their appearances up as long as they can keep financing it through loans. 

J Scott, I was surprised by one of your earlier comments that because inflation in rents and inflation in expenses, it's basically a wash...

In most states it is inexpensive to become an agent and start working.

My partner and I learned a lot about the Financial Independence movement in the last two years and have been saving everything we can and living as inexpensively as we can to help save up money for our first investment property.

If I claim, for example, $3,600 in expenses, I might pay around 6-800 less in taxes.

Many of these sellers target buyers in expensive areas hoping they will think "that would sell for 5X the price here." 

Or have a turnover and $1000 in expenses beyond the tenants security deposit.

There are other FHA requirements concerning which you should contact your local lender, but determining whether or not a triplex or fourplex meets the self-sufficiency rule is a good place to start as this rule will immediately eliminate many properties from your search, especially in expensive markets like ours.I wish you the best and happy New Year, Elizabeth!