Given the same dual purpose goal what would you suggest I do about appliances?

If you've already looked into that and the deals are still not able to cash flow immediately (which seems like your goal) then I might suggest learning a bit about investing from a distance. 

Set specific goals both short term and long term3.

The pre-moveout inspection is an opportunity for the landlord to list any items (beyond normal wear and tear, ie holes in the wall, stained carpeting, broken blinds, missing or cracked switch plate covers, etc.) that must be repaired or cleaned prior to move out.

I've been leaning towards a condo as I feel it would be way less maintenance and just less of a headache being this far away, as well as cash flow being my main goal!

Please comment below or message me to discuss details.I am looking into purchasing a property there but need insight prior to making an offer.Ty in Advance

I've always thought about real estate investments as a future goal and I've recently started looking for my first home to purchase.

Once you have discovered YOUR Why to get involved in REI, then you can establish your goals and set your investing criteria.  

The goal being to build a new home for me and my family to live in with as small of a mortgage as possible.

My goal from the beginning was to sell it after 2 years and avoid capital gains.