Renting Out Condos: Loan structure, Down Payment, Appreciation

Hi BP,

It was recommended to me in my post on prospective househacking that I perhaps start with a condo for my first buy. Are there pitfalls to renting out condos and does anybody even rent condos? I am also unsure about the best ways of forcing appreciation for an asset such as a condo. Any tips or suggestions will help a lot. I'm not hellbent on condos at all but I am in Northern California and everything here is so expensive. I have 20k for a down payment and I don't know what I can get with it or the best loan structure for me. I am a teacher and I do not know if that nets any loan benefits as well.

thank you,

Cody Evans