In my experience with "bigger scale commercial real estate" is that location is one of the most important factors. Well located asset will lease first in a good market and will be vacant last during the down market such as reseccions. Improvements are important as well and it is good to keep in mind the future capital that you will need to spend on the property. In today's market with interest rate being low it is a good time to get into rental market. Good luck.

When I was considering this same issue, I actually read this book (Rental Houses for the Successful Small Investor) and found it really helpful. Three areas. First, there are a few key metrics to keep in mind when you're approaching properties. Second, there are some issues around how to choose a house (in terms of due diligence) which are really important. Third, there are some intricacies around setting up financing that are useful to go through.

Anyway, I'd recommend it. You can get it on Amazon.

All I can say is we used to rent 411 10th Ave to a nice family and it was anything but cash flow positive.