The lower price points can be an attractive option for new or cash-strapped investors. 

Great reminder for all investors.

I'm an investor and broker in the Madison area.

Quote from @Faris Wright: As a new investor, I'm weighing the benefits of focusing on appreciation for long-term growth versus cash flow for immediate returns.

For average investors without large amounts of capital to deploy this is a common approach to growing a portfolio.

In our case we tripled our deal flow when we started a program of direct email to mortgage brokers, real estate brokers, and real estate investors who could bring us either mortgage notes for sale or new loan opportunities for loans not qualifying for commercial financing.  

We are unable to meet our financial goals.I don't usually speak ill of anybody but we decided we needed to make an exception.So be forewarned, fellow investors - there are disgusting people out there, running predatory companies with zero ethics - that will prey on investors and mistreat them in the name of "PRIVATE" lenders, right here in the United States!!

Like you, I thought property management was the only option but there are others and you need the right immigration attorney to help you because not all believe you can get an E2 as a real estate investor, but they're incorrect. 

Short term rentals in St Pete are technically illegal but it doesn’t stop hundreds of other investors from doing it.

Those meetups are a great way to soak up relevant info from other active investors.