Neighborhood Aesthetics for Rental Properties

[Peter Pierzchala]

How important are the immediate surroundings when choosing a property for Rental potential? Im currently looking for my first to BRRRR, in CT. While looking through those on the mls, I sometimes come across one that looks promising but as I look at the area, I see why its maybe priced a little better than others. For example, there was one in Windsor Locks listed at 100k (with water and freeze damage), but it was also sandwiched between a church and a town parking lot - I wouldn't want to live there but that's my personal preference. Another was right across from a rundown warehouse. How do situations like that affect the potential rent? Is targeting properties like that helping you avoid competition from other buyers looking for a primary home?