My goal is to buy them with conventional financing, repair them to be rent ready (ideally less than 10K in repairs), and hire a property manager to rent them out.

Preqin dataBenefit #2: Private Real Estate has Low Correlation to other Asset ClassesThe goal of every portfolio is to create the highest total return with the least amount of volatility.

Don't compromise your goals or criteria look harder instead.

My goal is to buy up the block and surrounding blocks. 

You are asking an important question.I recommend sitting down with your husband and writing down your goals. 

I'll probably consider LU when I get further into the industry, it seems like a great resource.My current end-game goal is to quit my "day job" in 10 years and be able to bring in $100k+/year with the least work possible (passive income).

So, our goal is real estate investing in buy &hold/wholesaling and flipping (already in the field).

Welcome to this beautiful business of investing,  before doing your first step,  find out what you are looking for, your exit strategy,  your goals,  read some good books,  join your local REIA, find a Mentor.   

You only need to put 3.5% down, so cashwise it won't get in the way of other real estate goals you may have.My first deal was a 4-unit up I bought withFHA3.5% in Santa Clarita.I lived for free (as opposed to paying rent) + enjoyed cash flow + built equity.

So I just received a message from a BP'er. They said they saw one of my devices.. somewhere...I wanted to share this with you all...Many of you do this for financial freedom. I would by lying if I said I wasn't..but f...