These are the pros and cons of these markets as I see it: Riverside: Larger units with more bedrooms; I can afford better neighborhood with less crime (50 percentile); properties are less old but ugly. 

If you can't afford to pay what they're worth, just talk to them, and they might put more effort into reducing the deal cost so you can save money in other ways.

Very frustrating at the very least.

People like this Scott Carson guy give "mentor" and "guru" a bad name which is just so frustrating because they are not all bad.

Cash for keys is common, and frequently the part that keeps tenants from moving forward is not having an affordable place to go to.

Tulsa offers a fantastic combination of affordable housing, a growing job market, and a strong sense of community.

Needless to say we were more than frustrated with our management company for not catching this. 

Each situation, even the frustrating ones, is a chance to learn and grow.

@Julie J.My recommendation would be to wait until you can afford a home with traditional financing.

But both should only invest what they can afford to lose.