On top of that insurance for the units went up and so did property taxes so what was once a very profitable commercial rental has turned into my worst performer. 

So let's say there is no value increase, but you pocket an extra $1,100/mo in income.  

So, I would start with asking yourself a few questions:- What is my budget? 

Phoenix, AZ has been a great market for the past 10 years, but not so much in the past two years, as supply has really started to inhibit price and rent growth.

If so, then go for it.

The house currently in question, the manager said he had an older couple apply, but they were on fixed income and wanted to sign a two or three year lease so they knew they wouldn't have to move or incur additional expenses.

This is why my deposit is always higher than the rent.This encourages the tenant to pay the last months rent and clean the house so they their higher deposit back.

So I do my networking online.

I hear so many stories of how people start out there journey and this seems to be the best way if your young like me with no money to spare...

you're still "investing" in it with the down payment, closing costs, setup... so that's capital that could be used for something else.