We realize we wont get rich with this one, but its a small, safe option in a hot neighborhood (average DOM is, like, a week.)BUT- Rental here is also a hot commodity.

I'm brand-new, came across the topic of real estate investment by way of Pinterest, when I searched, "passive income side hustles". 

Her family accepted me into her home and showed me the side of family I believed was only on tv.

California and Phoenix are super hot seller's markets right now... there's simply too much competition from other buyers looking to live in the home and willing to pay market price.

As I live in Hot Springs my favorites are the RE Investors meetup on the 3rd Sat. of the month and the Landlord meeting on the 3rd Thurs. of the month.

Other things to consider - do you need cash flow, do you need cash out of the sale (which will be taxable, but could do a partial 1031 exchange), what will you buy as replacement property on the other side, do you want to manage real estate on the other side or have totally passive real estate...If you’re considering an exchange, want to be hands off, and are an Accredited investor, you could exchange to a DST (Delaware Statutory Trust).

But could you guys (You & Mike Cumbie) name a few PCs on the low budget side.

Even though the market is hot almost everywhere, where is a good place to start with my first investment rental where I'm looking for positive cashflow, appreciation and homes in the $120k-$200k range?

Since I wouldn't have a mortgage payment for two years, that was my plan, just save the money to apply it to the principal, however my fear is based on how hot my market is right now, so im afraid in two years would be totally the opposite. 

Find the next hot thing before it gets hot!