My PERMANENT portfolio is my SDIRA; I try to buy more solid performing notes that I won't need to work on (although they haven't all panned out that way...). 

But it turned out, it was his roommate (who moved in without telling me, but turned out to be a good tenant) that was doing the cleaning up.

Nobody in their right mind would sell at such because they simply don't have to, there is no shortage of buyers happy to out bid your desired landing. 

Over lunch, I asked him how he stands out in such a crowded field.

I am wondering if anyone has good places to research affordable yet healthy/upcoming markets to invest in MA. looking to get into my first househack/203k so just trying to figure out where to look.

A great place to start is https://www.biggerpockets.com/meet which you can use to find like-minded people in your area and every other market across the nation that you may consider.You'll find some helpful tips at https://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere.For tips on how to get the most out of BiggerPockets, check out: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rei/biggerpockets-com-tutorial/The BiggerPockets Keyword Alert System is an awesome tool: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2012/12/1...See you on future threads!

Im based out of ATL (Office in O4W).

HI, we can help you out with the contracting side of things . we service Atlanta and Macon area and about to get involved in Coloumbus .

Please feel free to reach out and discuss your situation and see if this may be a good fit for you and your family. 

I will be renting it out as a LTR.