As for the area, any area you can afford and feel safe with a short commute to work is good.

He can no longer afford his apartment, went almost homeless, and couch surfing with friends.

@Jason Mak  Coincidentally, about an hour after my previous post discussing the two new bills that have been proposed in California to extend the tenant eviction protections afforded under AB3088, I got an email from the California Apartment Association (CAA) saying that they now believe the Legislature passing an extension is "inevitable". 

Dayton is an affordable market, which is also great for someone just getting started.

Finding 1-2 more affordable homes or a small multi-family may be a safer play.

However, after looking for multifamily properties in surrounding areas on listing websites (such as Zillow) I have found that any duplex I find is either a) nowhere near where I work (+1 hour commute time) b) seems to need A LOT of renovation work or c) is out of my price range that I can afford.

Our city counsel and mayor are for the most part against them (they see them as a primary reason for our affordable housing issues). 

Buy sf retail properties at the average joe can afford (hopefully at a discount).

If you can't afford one is there a pro bono one that might provide some advice?

Also what type of loan would you need for the rehab and what could you afford each month in holding costs.4.