In addition to staying within the proper LTV, the bank is also going to need to see an adequate Debt Coverage Service Ratio (DCSR) of at least 1.25.  

Buy what you can afford as soon as you can afford it (assuming you do the proper research) and snowball that into more and bigger properties over time. 

When the 6 x 6 ft island was installed, it was not installed with the proper supports underneath so over time there is a downward slope to it too much to be fixed by using a leveling agent before installing the new flooring.

Be sure and provide a proper accounting and remainder of deposit, if any within 21 days. 

@Michael Doub without a SSN you can't screen properly and no reliable ID.

I'm looking to understand more about obtaining rental properties, how to purchase them, manage them, and how to properly take care of tenants. 

How many signs should I buy to get this properly sold?

We got lucky to have found an agent who was at least patient with us and willing to at least work with our strategies even if they didn't really understand the numbers behind it, but I do agree it would have been amazing to have had another person to properly vet the property and run some numbers as well to make sure the property is a good fit.

Nobody can give you proper advice without learning your entire business and financial circumstances.

I would say, heck yeah they're worth it, to investors that are willing to take on the challenge & go about it properly after assuming the risk/reward.