HI Hugh
It is good that you have identified what is most important to you – cash flow.
With that in mind, I would recommend two paths of study:
1. Master leasing/property management
2. Buying subject-to and with seller financing – then renting out the house.
You could also add in lease option but I would not recommend it because usually with an option, you need to cash out the house at some point in the future. If your objective is to generate cash flow, you don’t want to be forced in to selling the house.
A Master Lease is an ideal way to test drive the property and the neighborhood. Once you have determined that it is an area you and your tenants like, you can talk to the owner about buying the house with seller financing or subject-to the mortgage.
When you really focus on one thing – like generating cash flow – you are much more likely to meet your objectives.