Difficult to rent a property near a factory, cemetery or freeway?

[Dan C.]

Here in Milwaukee I will sometimes see a duplex on a block that faces a non-residential use - such as a small factory or warehouse or a cemetery. Recently I saw a duplex on a street that was basically the exit ramp for a freeway.

I've always ruled out locations like these since I suspect they are less appealing and therefore might be harder to rent out.

Anyone out in BP-land have experience owning a property in a location like this? Was it harder to rent out? How much did you have to discount it to get people to look?

[Bill S.]

The only ones I avoid would be the very busy street (think road noise - freeway off ramp) or a factory with some sort of pollution, noise or smell. Rents aren't as picky about location as home owners. They don't mind living across from a factory for a year or two. Cemeteries are great. Very quiet neighbors. Busy streets with off street parking and good safe access are not bad locations as they offer more exposure for advertising. BTW family (adults with small children 3-2-2s) rentals don't do well on busy streets.