In that case, I'd expect that at least the realtor will have a clue, and not price the property way low.

An exception would be more class A or B apartments where they are newer built in the last 10 years or so and rents are really high.So if you had say 40 units at 1,500 a door that is 60k a month gross potential whereas if you had 80 units at 400 a month low income tenants that is only 32,000.

If you have enough equity you might want to do the same as rates are super low.

I'd hold off, or set your price low enough that you'd have to go for it.  

@Cary Ferguson Jr guess it depends on how low rents dropped during that recession, but based on what rents dropped to last time during the recession in this same area..I think I'd be fine. that's what I find so odd?? 

Section 8 program is only to help low income tenants rent, this program is not to help with mortgage payments.

I'm looking to get started in investing yet have a low budget to work with. 

I can explain the mechanics.Regarding that price point, it would make sense to go with a 2nd lien vs a 1st as the firsts we bought last year for similar investors turn out to be such low valued houses that unless you rehab them, you will not make little to no money.

There are plenty of opportunities at low or no cost to meet local R/E Investors.

Is $550 market rent are is that low for the area as well?