Portsmouth and Hampton Roads VA Investing

[Akiem Jones]

TGIM BiggerPockets Community,

I've been researching the Hampton Roads area for a Duplex for the past couple of weeks. I am looking to find something recently renovated under 180K in Norfolk, VA Beach, or Portsmouth. Preferably with a tenant already in one side so I could house hack the other side. Central A/C and forced heat (would like to stay away from window units and baseboard heaters).

I've found a couple prospects in Norfolk, however, after driving the neighborhoods I'm not sure I'd be willing to take on those tenants in my first land lording experience. Virginia Beach doesn't seem to have much inventory within my criteria. (My main sources have been zillow, realtor.com, agent websites, etc.). I plan to start attending the local REIA's once I relocate to the area this month in hopes to find extra leads there.

Long story short, I've found a handful of properties in Portsmouth that fit my criteria. I was wondering if anyone has experience investing in buy and holds in Portsmouth. Mostly looking for information on the rental market. For example, I know there is a Coast Guard base in Portsmouth but I'm not sure if many of the Coasties tend to rent in Portsmouth or go elsewhere. If anyone has any specifics on the Cradock and Olde Towne neighborhoods that would be great as well. 

Thanks in advance!

Akiem