Typically starting with a smaller rehab budget of $50K or less (maybe a max of $75K) and avoiding a 1 to 1(or higher) ratio of purchase to rehab costs is recommend when you are first starting out. 

I wouldn't focus singularly on individual city initiatives/projects and would recommend focusing more on fundamentals.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I would recommend opening up a brokerage account with Schwab, Fidelity, Vanguard or any other large firm like this. 

I would recommend you use the profile page BP.  

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Thanks everyone for your recommendations.

That cost us 3k to fix Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

In fact, I would want to go even lower because there's a very good chance some damage is hidden and costs will run higher than anticipated.If you aren't experienced, I recommend you just buy the good apple. 

BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.