I have around 80k to put as a down payment, so I can hopefully afford up to 360k worth of real estate, hoping for 4 doors +.I have done some research and determined the following markets to be hot, with good job growth, and possibly within budget:-Winston-Salem, NC-Pittsburgh, PA (and maybe Indiana, PA?)

I personally like the C class investments so I expect things to work themselves out just fine and possibly have increased demand as tenants look for more affordable housing options.

I gave a 50% credit to all my tenants for april( im small at 10 doors currently), this may be needed for May as well we will see how things go. if you can afford to,consider this. 

My real concern is once I start house hacking that I won’tBe able to find tenants that could afford rent and I’ll be stuck with the mortgage.I live in the dallas Fort Worth area and I’m not seeing many reduced homes on trulia and Zillow but I’m sure properties there are some cheap properties on the mls.

This will tell you how much you can afford and how much is your monthly payments.

If you can afford to keep it mortgage free, I would until we know a bit more about the situation.

Question: does anyone have a recommendation for affordable but reliable appliances (stainless steel refrigerator and stove, washer and dryer)?

Philly is a very cool city with a lot going on and it's very affordable.

Just ask yourself if you can still afford the property if the market dropped somewhat and can afford to weather it out.  

Not because your competitor can afford 3 times as much in adspent will they out market you.