2. strata fees are usually more than the cost to maintain
This. (Only we call them HOA fees here.) The HOA fees kill most condo deals in my area. YMMV.
Are you planning to pay cash or finance? You are going to have difficulty with a low loan amount, as most banks won't do these loans.
Yes, unless it's an owner occupied. On investment property they don't usually like to do loans < 50k (and want 25% down, meaning a property value of 66.6k).
Arebelspy has a short list of books you can check out in one of his posts.
I think I've only listed one beginner's book (Building Wealth One House at a Time), though I have a standing offer for anyone who reads that to then give them a whole long list of other books to go from there. So far, only one person has PM'd me to take me up on it. Though maybe I did post a few more in another thread and forgot.
50% rule is definitely something to be familiar with. And all of Another Reader's questions were good - read through his post over and over until you can fluently ask and answer them for any deal you are considering.
Specifically, I'm talking about his example couple, who bought their first house, then just kept it, and were renting it out throughout their lives.
That works fine for someone wanting a little real estate exposure (one or two properties), but not someone systematically building wealth with real estate, unless you want to move 3-4 times per year!
And do indeed post questions as you get them. Good luck! :)