You make a judgement call on each individual situation and go with your gut after reviewing all the pertinent information. 3.

I'm here to possibly meet similar-minded individuals that have considered joining resources so that we can take our successes to the next level.

I would try and look at the rental property calculator under tools (looks like you get one free try) but first get all the numbers and you can and look at the hundreds of forums on individuals running the numbers on properties on BP to see EVERYTHING to include.

My hope, by joining this site, is to meet many experienced individuals to learn from and understand the ends and outs of the business.

My suggestion would be to not enter a deal until you have enough saved to make monthly payments for an extended amount of time.  

The problem for me is that I do not have the capital to enter these gateway markets with my return expectations. 

Welcome to the vibrant BP community, where you will find like minded individuals committed to REI and also helping others succeed.Since you didn't mention a REI area of interest, I added links below to the most popular niches, from which you can select one or all.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/04/how-to-rent-your-house/ (house rental guide)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)Your time on this social media site will be well spent.You have taken the 1st step by announcing your readiness and commitment to embark on a REI career.Whether you pursue, wholesale, rehab & fIip or buy and hold it's up to you to decide.The bottom line is that you must take action to start.

Getting too wrapped around the axle about finding the ideal first deal is a good way to miss the game because you were too busy sitting on the sidelines wondering when to enter.

However, those duplexes were split into 2 separate condos and sold individually for $95k-$100k each. 

@Ryan JohnsonWelcome to the vibrant BP community, where you will find like minded individuals committed to REI and also helping others succeed.Seeing that you didn't list a REI area of interest, I added three of the most popular niches below for your selection of one or all.