A cheap sure way to get the stink out.   

The other part of me thinks this might be a good first property because it's cheap and should provide plenty of learning opportunities.

Should I pay cash for the home if it's cheap enough?

Although it sucks, its cheap tuition to pay.  

A lot of times the really cheap rates are only that cheap if you use a small amount of electricity, once you go over 1,000 kWh the rate goes up....or if you don’t use a certain amount of energy per month you pay a more expensive rate (the cheap price quoted is the price you get if you use over 1,000 kWh per month, use less and you pay a higher rate). 

are they the same shingles with different warranty, or is it the difference between 3-tab and architecturals. if the shingles are physically the same, get the cheap ones.

.- Palm Springs - see that many things are super cheap - vacation rentals, Coachella etc etc. but also hear when markets go down, this area tanks bad.

that is the smell of money. .. you just have to buy it very cheap.. many times you have to take the house to the studs and rebuild to get the stink out.although I bought 5 last year and bulldozed all of them.. those are prime target for mc mansion infill rebuilds.

Anyways, I'm not here looking for cheap answers and easy instructions on how to do my first deal.

@Nita Martin if you get cheap enough most historical areas want a total rehab.