My advice would be to seek advice from those who actually are investment property owners. That would be rule 1.

I manage my two SD rentals, one is a condo and the other is a small home and have a couple sfrs out of state. The smaller the home the easier it is to manage. Once you start renting out something that involves families with kids you will experience more repair work. I think for a first timer I would stick with a small condo or two if you can but go with what works for you. Also my advice would be to try to take advantage of the current cheap financing as well I wouldn’t discount what clearfund wrote as well. It is a different avenue but the end goal is the same for all of us.