Unlike some other Asheville border communities, I think your equity will grow slower due to comparatively higher crime rates, higher poverty rates, the paper plant, etc.

We’re just over the border in NW Indiana. 

It really doesn't look terrible, the contractors bid things to make money and not gamble.

@Nikki BaiNot sure I’d take the gamble of waiting.

The house is in the flood zone, except the front third, so it really is a border property.

I think having enough funds and a good home inspection and contractor that you can trust is a much in the  beginning otherwise you are just gambling.

Bad because often 20% is the minimum down, frequently it goes to 25% down, interest rates higher, terms overall less favorable.As for funding the down payment, save, gamble, pick up a second or third job, borrow from family or have family/friends invest with you, get an active partner, etc.

is no gambling action.

Although I collect rental income from our long term tenants, the lenders consider it "Border Income" and will not count it.If I buy a STR, will the income generated from that count as income when qualifying for another mortgage?

So I am technically, an out of state investor, but only live 75 minutes away from the property (across the IL border), so I am planning to self manage.