Should property next door influence my purchase decision?

[Jerry N.]

I’m looking at duplex that is in very good town. The problem is that this property and property next door are the 2 worst properties in neighborhood maybe the whole town and the 2 are conjoin by driveways and parking lot (C properties in A town). I think the reason for the problem is the poor choice of tenants and lack of any property management (I have better section 8 tenants in my B property in C City). Next to both of these properties are condominiums and houses in good to very good condition. I’m thinking about making offer on the bad property that is for sale with condition to have current tenants out by closing date. Quickly rehab the property (mainly cosmetics, maintenance) and rent it out again to better prospecting tenants, this should be no problem (good town, very good schools).
Because the driveways are connected I can not easily isolate the two houses. ? The two properties form almost one complex and each is very visible form other side.
I’m thinking that in future I may try to purchase second duplex but I don’t think I will be able to afford this in next couple of years plus I don’t know if current owner will be willing to sell.
My concern for now is if the tenants and condition of the property next door will act as a major deterrent for getting good tenants for my property? Do you think my concerns are valid? Any ideas how I can make this work?

[Steve K]

If your planning on holding this long term and the price is right I'd probably proceed and try to buy the other properties. If its an A town maybe there are some code enforcement tactics you can use to entice the other owners to sell or fix up their properties a bit.