Des Moines is a very good investment spot both passive and actively.  

A good agent should be able to do this alongside you.

Writing off might not be a good idea.

Most markets the physical vacancy is 5-10%, good chance you can find it by googling and seeing what the average is.

Hey @Nancy Goff - Long island and/or Westchester & north may be a good first start. 

Purchase price: $122,000 Cash invested: $31,000 *UK HOUSE* Purchased a 3 Bd 2 Bth Town House / Semi Detached from sellers who inherited the property, worked a very good purchase price.

Good morning!

Purchase price: $122,000 Cash invested: $31,000 *UK HOUSE* Purchased a 3 Bed 2 Bathroom Town House Style House in the UK from sellers who inherited the property, worked a very good purchase price in terms of value.

Single-Family Homes: These can be a good starting point, offering flexibility and potentially lower upfront costs.

You can be good enough at REI that people will give you their money to invest with them giving you a cut of the profits, or wholesaling where you find a buyer to assume your contract before closing.