First Deal: Location vs. Condition

[Philip Traynor]

Hello All, I have been reading on here for a while and can't thank you all enough for everything I have learned.  I am about to jump into purchasing tax deeds and was hoping I could get some experienced opinions on two single family properties.  

The first property I am looking at is a little over an hour and a half away from where I live/work. From the outside, the property appears great. Lawn is mowed, exterior paint is in reasonably good condition, visible A/C unit appears less than 5 years old, etc. In general, the property doesn't stand out from the solid middle class neighborhood it is in. Average home price in the neighborhood is $159,000. This house is above average, I would guess ARV $200,000.

The second property is 10-15 minutes from where I live and work, but otherwise is in much worse shape than the first property. From the outside, it needs a new roof, many/most windows, extensive landscaping, and new siding (about 50/50 brick/siding, brick is good). Between the outside condition and the fact that it is up for a tax sale, I assume the interior is trashed. However, this house looks to have potential in a very nice area. Best school district in the area, average home price is $400,000. This house is well below average - I would guess ARV $225,000.

Based on my limited experience attending this particular tax sale, the difference in the purchase price on the two properties would likely be pretty close to my estimate for the difference in repair cost.

I am now wondering if I would rather have a property that I have to drive a long way to meet contractors occasionally, or meet contractors regularly close by.  Of course, I would also love to hear about the issues that I haven't identified yet.  I would love to hear opinions from you generous folks with more experience.  Thank you!