However, we noticed a few redeeming features during our inspections that gave us some hope over the 8 month renovation - 11' ceilings (hidden behind drop ceilings), original heart pine floors (protected under laminate flooring), original fireplaces/mantles, and desirable location (5 minutes to downtown Columbia). 

My house is a block from a catholic primary school, convenient to a small private college and seminary (divinity school), not too far from freeway access, and a couple blocks from a major bus line (that serves the college, divinity school and downtown).

Google maps is showing that (the area I'm looking at) is only 25 min from downtown Raleigh.Redfin "market insights" show that the Wendell home prices per square foot have risen 12% since last year (not sure if this is trustworthy data)...I can't find year-over-year info about unemployment.In other news, Wendell Falls is still developing (commercial and residential properties) and a charter school is said to be coming to Wendell Falls...Thoughts?

Having a price range is a good start, but you can find a 500 sqft piece of junk downtown or a mansion way out from downtown.

Selling for about 550k, 11 units that can be expanded to 14 units, 5400 sqft total on a prime downtown 1/4 acre C17 lot.

Come out here, grab a beer walk around downtown and all those locations you have been posting about and asking questions.  

I was lucky enough to find one downtown when I first started several years back, but since then things have changed.

Charleston as it is in Downtown Charleston. 

@Christopher Phillips downtown manhattan preferably

The path of progress is the “street car” project which runs from downtown to the plaza.