However, you generally need a well paying job, excellent credit and enough for the down payments. 

If I'm reading the subtext I believe @Michael K Gallagher is thinking the same thing I am which condos are probably the least desirable property type.The biggest reason is because eventually the complex will need major renovations (roofs, parking lots, exterior repairs, HVAC upgrades) that you'll partially be on the hook for and there's no guarantee your condo HOA will look for the best quality and value vendors. 

Then we should be set up well for rent growth I think over the next 3-5 years.

I am hoping some people familiar with the area could help point my family to the right neighborhood to help focus our search… and to let me know if I am nuts if I think I can do this well with a purchase budget of 350 to 450k.

I got my degree in finance and am a lender so I have always felt like I could just do it myself.That being said, we feel we are getting to the point where we should probably look into hiring a financial advisor / planner. 

Your passive investments can be your active work too.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

Please keep in mind I'm still in the "planning" phase of lending so this may be a basic question...

The property is estimated to be around $300k in it's last evaluation.

What would be your main considerations?