In truth, I'm a bit too inexperienced to know how to answer your questions, but I'll give it a go.I've read an article on BP that talk about a 7-year (give or take) plan that eventually leads to owning an apartment building with hundreds of units and generating a million dollars per year or more.

The analysis needs these items, learn the terms and you can save the $59 bucks:purchase price (PP)down  payment (DP)   derived financed amount (FA)all numbers are annualized, rents for the whole year are GSIGSINOI  (just gsi less expenses)DSCR (debt service coverage ratio) = NOI / mortgage*12cash-on-cash:  NOI / down payment [how well your cash is performing]cap-rate:  NOI / PP [ how well this property generates cash]for an all cash sale, the DP = PP, cash-on-cash will become the cap-rate.

Have you considered a 2 family to occupy and fix up while renting out and generating income?

It's the kind of turn-around property I wouldn't touch because I don't have the right background, but it's an example of one that might just be re-purposed and be a good income generator for someone with a real estate and renovating background.

As a "millennial," I hear a lot about our generation and lack of desire to purchase.I think it comes down to several factors (there is no one-size fits all here):1.

Once I have a portfolio of rental property generating 15-20K/ income per month I intend to build a bbq restaurant chain.

I've had a long time focus on helping distressed property owners, which results in generating listings with excellent investor potential.

Fortunately, this means that an upgrade does not need to be a mansion or a dream home.Our current plan is to find a duplex or triplex with the potential to generate a little bit of cash flow in addition to acting as our home.  

I'm a computer engineer and I just took a job as a realtor.I'm expected to generate and close leads.

Yep, different opinions generate diversity.