I qualify for up to 850k at the absolute MAX and I am able to pick up a 4 bed 2 bath in the San Gabriel Valley.

Just a simple statement such as "I hereby forever release my redemption rights to the following property:  (with legal description and street address and tax parcel ID number) and then they sign and have their signature notarized. 

There are a few houses on a street where I already have a house.

Hey Cooper,Kingsway West and Academy can be dangerous areas... the Delmar divide is a general rule of thumb, north of Delmar is rundown while south of the street is a lot nicer.

Hey @Jay Ritchie - From our experience here in Chicago, we typically see new water/sewer lines range in cost from $16-24k depending on the depth of the trench, distance from the street to house, and just different contractors.What area of the city are you in?

It could also be that you are looking at rent comps over a major street like Parsons and are using them to compare different locations. 

They wonder why the property doesn’t rent quickly and can’t command top market rent when the kitchen and baths are dated, and the property overall vibe/aesthetic is lacking luster. 

The ones who have succeeded had a relative nearby in the area they were investing in, a child living in the home, or grew up in the area they invest in so they at least know it really well and know the difference between a good street and a bad one.

New construction SFH in a B+ grade community across the street from the high school and middle school.

Before looking to buy a center check who the owner of the center is and inquire with surrounding attorneys about their dealings ( on the streets ).