House hacking may be a great way to start.  1-4 unit place.. live in 1 unit.. rent the others... pay a lower downpayment so you have cash reserves to strike on property # 2 I am in your area often on the weekends.. be open to a coffee and convo.Welcome to BPJim 

@Jessie Griffin check the legal form section on BP to see what they have for you since you are a pro level.

I used a VA loan to finance it, I'm now looking into using a FHA loan due to lower money down and the ability make repair on a home.

We’re thinking maybe we could buy a property, maybe a townhouse, on the lower end so our mortgage isn’t too high, but it won’t cash flow for sure.

Or buy a lower price property that needs some love that has 4 units that would rent out for around $800-900 each.

The home was not in a multiple offer situation and we negotiated for a lower price.

The cash flow I predicted is much lower than what the property managers annual report reflects.

Nashville is definitely a hot market and turnkey can be viable, but expect much lower returns with using a turnkey company. 

Prefer lower fees and few hurdles.  

What is your opinion on that and what lower amount of return do you think would be an acceptable amount as a tradeoff for this gained experience?