As always, DYOR (Do Your Own Research) The area has a mix of stable, long-term residents and rental demand—especially with Section 8 tenants—but it does vary block-by-block.Key things to consider are Rental Demand, Property Condition and Management (a local property manager can help navigate tenant screening and city requirements)It’s not as bad as the headlines make it seem, but success here depends on buying right and the right property manager.

I agree that 1-4 unit properties are a different ballgame, but within my portfolio, I have a 4-unit property insured for $715K—the same amount as one of my single-family rentals.

Do you currently own any rental properties? 

@Jim LynchSome typical minimum tenant screening requirements look like the following, but it depends on your market:-Renter has a gross monthly income of 3x more than the monthly rent-Minimum credit score of 650-Renter must have no prior evictions-No felons (or other notable criminal history)There are a number of different tenant screening softwares out there such as Zillow Rental Manager, TransUnion SmartMove, etc.Be sure to complete an employment verification by contacting the renter's employer and confirm the details they shared with you, landlord verification (if they have a previous landlord), credit check, and background check.

Rental Price: $2,098Investors, take note!

Every investor has a different approach, but I personally buy my rentals the same way I buy my flips..at a deep discount using hard/private money, then refinance with a rate-and-term loan to secure a lowest interest rate.Ultimately, it comes down to your goals, risk tolerance, and ability to find value-add opportunities.

Rental Price: $2,098Investors, take note!

In my market using a HELOC on a rental doesn't even come close to working. 

Purchase price: $45,000 Sale price: $175,000 I lived here for a few years then when I was married it became a rental.