Im just starting out and currently in an online realestate school but it's coming off as difficult.

It still seems like I could roughly break even on some of these properties, taking into account mortgage, property taxes, PMI, expenses, vacancies, etc., and I'd certainly benefit from the relevant tax incentives and would be earning equity, which is great—but is that enough?

I would take a look at their financials and see how many units owe money, what their aged owner report looks like (how many units owe over 30 days), ask what their collection process is, ask who their property management company is and check out the manager's reviews online.  

Account ClosedThanks, good advice on both.  

@Ross Ellington,Talk to your accountant to verify that the interest on your home loan as well as the property taxes are deductible.

Also who signs the brokers trust account checks?

Standard ones are available online.

Love the advice given by Account Closed.  

This seems like a situation where that would apply.This isn't even accounting for the additional tax benefit you get from "making interest payments" on the mortgage.

If you have a 401k or a life insurance policy that allows you to invest a portion of your account.