Maui. Investing in expensive neighborhoods

Maui is a small island where many only people dream of owning a home.  There are very wealthy people mixed with a local working class population.  The result is there are many neighborhoods that are eclectic, with beautiful homes in the same area as junk homes.  

I read on Bigger Pockets about homes being purchased for $25k or so and making profits after rehabbing and selling for under $100k.  Often on Maui a fixer upper is on the market for $500k or more.  

Regardless, in my view what makes a deal worthwhile is the difference between the purchase and the sale with all costs and time frames accounted for. 

People get in trouble at all levels and locations, so the opportunities are there.  

Who is working in similar circumstances?