(I also do all of the advertising, tours/viewings, communications resulting from the advertising, but once all of the rooms are rented, and I am purely managing, how are property managing hours discerned, I suppose that's my question here.)

I am seeking advice on the most ideal location in terms of ease of renting, a strong rental market, and potential future appreciation in value over the next 5-10 years.

The condo will have monthly association fees that will significantly eat into your bottom line once you move and rent it out.

This was for residential sales.So when I am looking at something along these lines, you have to see if anyone is actually locating this in the target market. 

Diversify your investments by considering multi-family properties, commercial real estate, or different locations.

Conservatively, rent would be about $1000-1200 monthly based on our research.

(with conservative assumptions on annual appreciation - 2%, and annual rent increase - 1%, as well as 5% vacancy/maintenance).I see so many people say they only go for properties with at least 15% cash on cash returns, which seems extremely difficult in this market

I'm hoping to purchase something that is move in ready with little work required to make it more appealing to renters while charging max rent.

I have found locating a competent trustworthy contractor is the most difficult challenge to success in flipping properties.

I have seen 2 recent studies comparing initial cost of renting to purchasing.