I agree with Nathan-you may have gotten rid of most of the mold (which will grow back quickly if any is left), but there is somehow moisture coming in that is allowing it to live. 

If you are buying to live in, you could also do FHA with a cosigner.

So - somewhere 2 hours away, or somewhere you like to vacation in, or where all your family lives, or where you plan to move someday.Too many people are trying to do exactly what you're doing - pick a market based on a formula - and they end up buying a random 'cheap' property thousands of miles away, turn it over to people they've never met or even spoken to, and then... lose money.  

We found that by more or less falling on our sword and saying, "Hey, we want you guys happy... tell us what you need from us" they were more than helpful and once we had contractors they liked on board the process went perfectly smoothly.I don't live near you so can't help with your locale... but hopefully some of it helps!

I live here and I haven't seen more FSBO but I'm seeing a lot more wholesaling activity.  

My name is Cesar and I am originally from Puerto Rico but have been living in Virginia for over 20 years.

Hey @John FriendasI have purchased 4 of my Co-Living (rent by room) properties with DSCR, 1 of them within the last few months.Not that I necessarily recommend this, but there are short-term-rental DSCR products.

If you are just starting out, this is for you:When you buy an investment property, it is treated differently than a house you are going to live in. 

I have friends who have  LTR/STR and MTR is where I live.

I like the detailed descriptions others have given, but I also keep it simple:A: I’d live there with my familyB: I’d live there if I had to with my family C: I’d live there if I was single D: Nope