Is there no middle ground, ie safe, blue collar neighborhoods?

There are 6 active listings at 200K or less in the entire zip code. 3 are in an awful development - not quite a "war zone", but definitely section 8.

I developed a proprietary database system using Filemaker as a design backbone for our company.

You have to check FHA's database to make sure that the development itself has been approved by the FHA or else no FHA financing which (obviously) negatively affects the market value of the condos within the development.

That's what I assumed, I just wanted to be safe and confirm it here.

I have good connections, but I can tell you that over the past year I have developed some new connections that have created real synergy and my business (busyness) has nearly doubled.Please don't underestimate the value of good connections.

I don't know how FHA would look at a lease purchase, but keep in mind that you essentially have a contract to purchase, just at a later date.To be safe, I would suggest going with a lease option instead.

If they keep on hearing in the news that there is a gold rush going on in real estate of real estate is the hot new thing to invest in , it will result in more people purchasing properties.Most people have a herd mentality and they want to invest when it is "safe".

The trend toward "relationship banking" is something you need to grasp - develop a good relationship with some bank, or find one that explicitly advertises relationship banking.

I sold industrial for 6 years before getting into development.