Off-market property - local tips on location, contractor, etc.

[Julia Bu]

Hi all - I'm new to REI but have been reading this site and contemplating buying a first property for a while now. An opportunity just came up through a friend to buy an off-market property in El Paso (79930). But I'd have to move fast because they have another buyer with whom they're close to signing. My goal would be to buy & hold there.

I see on some posts that the better zip codes are 79925 and 79935 so would be grateful for any further assessment of the area east of Alabama Street / west of N Copia Street and by Newman Park.

I also understand the property needs a good deal of work so wanted to ask from those on the ground what the contractor situation is currently like. Is it difficult to hire due to high demand or costs? This would be an OOS property for me so I'd have to work with someone locally to supervise it and could fly in periodically to check on it.

Any additional advice is much appreciated. Many thanks!

Kind regards,

Julia