Financing
I started by buying homes and filling them with room mates. Eventually when the house was full I would move out and buy another one. Owner financing is easier and demands a lot less down than when buying investment non-owner properties.
Granted financing was easier in the late 1990's. however loan terms ease and restrict over time. We are due to see things get better. I was given nearly a blank check when I was a regional FO. Bankers knew how little I made but there was still some respect for the profession and they seemed to gloss over what to me were thin financials on my end.
I was buying new homes for 95K at the time. It only took a few thousand down per house. If you can secure some documentation like leases from potential roommates it can help with the loan. In any case check with several banks. They all are different in regards to what it is that they are looking for.
Rents go up over time while the payment is largely fixed.
Skyhigh