The city’s robust economic growth and steady population influx continue to drive strong rental demand, making it an ideal choice for long-term investment success.Best of luck!

They were abandoned and needed significant work which wasn't a huge issue but in terms of HUD owned properties i heard there can be significant processing periods.

I read this as someone using a short-term lens to focus on a long-term issue. 

There is a single family home that was divided and one half has been rented and an ad on small "house" that has also been rented mostly long term.

IF you have super strong income and you and have a lower 1st lien, lots of equity - MAYBE your best bet is using a local bank or CU to get most competitive HELOC inv terms.

Everybody is different, some people like flipping, some like short term rentals, some like long term rentals. 

My biggest aim is to ensure that my long-term success aligns with whoever I invest with's long-term success instead of making their money on the upfront sale and leaving me on my own. 

That would be my first suggestion.As for real estate, much like what others have shared, it’s a long-term journey.

Airdna wants me to lower the price but I also do not make enough, still better than $0.I will link my few, one has a long-term renter https://abnb.me/AQJoTn3zJpbhttps://abnb.me/ZMAc7i5zJpbhttps://abnb.me/GtVbaF6zJpb

Here were the results:Sales Growth: As you can see, Raleigh and Durham are VERY different in terms of Existing Home Sale Counts YoY.