The neighborhood influences value but it doesn't mean that house is 400K. 

In this world of too much information and the need for attention to detail I personally like getting as much information as I can on any given subject; especially if it might impact or influence my personal financial situation which this does. 

I'd recommend getting a few deals under your belt and to keep track of the results with the goal of using them as a confidence boost for future potential partners/private investors. 

Outside influence of family and friends some who do and don't invest have all gave me the assumption it would not be smart for me to invest in yonkers just mainly because of taxes and property price .

..once you are negotiating with the bank and agree on a NET PRICE to them, you can boost the purchase price adding in all rehab costs as part of the deal..you can even have the bank give your Buyers Agent Realtor a $2000 bonus which in most states your realtor can REBATE to you on the closing statement (limited to a max of up to 1% of the agents usual 3% commission..so there's probably a few extra bucks going to your realtor in the end and she will love you for that. 

I try not to let the negative post influence me!

Any external influences such as short sales, death, divorce, etc that affect a sale price means that property should not be used as a comp.

The book "How to win friends and influence people" had a huge impact on me and frankly I think it gives me an advantage over others who don't practice some of the methods Dale Carnegie presents.

My husband and I are in our first NOMAD home with plans to use this and the conventional way of purchasing several buy and holds, as well as, lease options for some short term options to boost cash for the long term purchases.  

I needed a final, "move on" boost!