At the low point in SD house prices (’96), there were properties that could nearly cash flow with ~10-20% down.
The following is based on my personal experience at that time.
Example: Clairemont, 160K for a 3bed/1 bath.
20% down, 30-year fixed rate at 8.25% => 962 P&I
Taxes ~ 170/month
Insurance ~ 50/month
Total PITI : 1156
Rent : ~ 1100
With repairs and other expenses (vacancies) you needed to count on the depreciation deduction to come out positive.