@Jeremy Blackburn it is in the Garden District area of Baton Rouge (not quite on the level of NOLA's Garden District in terms of history and architecture!)

There is a handy search bar in the upper right that makes it easy to find previous discussions, blogs, podcasts, and other resources.

While making it livable is obviously necessary, maybe a few things that could be added to keep appeal in mind- basically putting you in line with area comps/level of finish.Good news is that there are a few updates that can be pretty inexpensive like paint and carpet- although carpet isn't usually a go to in recommendation for a rental , but I realize that laminate is more costly. 

-Townhome/condominium sales shot up 112.7 percent and reached record-level pricing with the average price up 8.8 percent to $246,940 and the median price up 11.0 percent to $200,000;-Single-family home rentals fell 3.4 percent with the average rent up 11.0 percent to $1,960; -Townhome/condominium leases rose 15.1 percent with the average rent up 8.0 percent to $1,688.

Most mentors are good for getting people energized - Good mentors work with you step by step to get a house or two and teach you how to move along on your own - Great mentors teach how to buy and manage the properties, set up "systems & methods", along with providing other high level contacts, tax planning, asset protection & generational wealth, strategies for changing markets, and changes in the law.     

@Sahil ParmarI will just say I have not seen a single enticing property in the whole upper half of this state.

They will also be able to help you tell a good deal from a bad one and can help you learn how to estimate your repair costs, marketing costs, estimated time on market etc.Your experience level will go a long way in determining how things go.

(With sort of the Penthouse level in 700 7th being an exception there because of the dramatic vaulted ceilings and views).  

I want to pursue building a fairly basic mountain/cabin style house on a full basement with (hypothetically) 2 beds 2 baths on the main level and 2 beds 1.5 baths on the basement level.

This means something needs to give so outsourcing lower level activities like management is a good option.What is your hourly value you calculate for yourself?