I think demand is decent.If you're looking in a flood zone you'll definitely want to understand the FEMA 50% rule.

If I understand correctly your siblings goals are to sell their rental properties, use the funds to purchase a primary residence they'll eventually move into, and limit their tax liability correct?

At best, you will add another income stream to your portfolio.Thank you so much for your feedback and understanding. 

If SF can be turned around, I think it could make a lot of sense if you understand the intricacies and can put up with the tenant/landlord law for the long term.  

While I understand the risks associated with investing in areas unfamiliar to you, my budget forces me to do so.

That pragmatism will help you mitigate risks as you understand the different components of managing rentals   

Adding and making better could sell or rent faster, but it won't get you more than what the market ARV and rent is set at from other similar comps in the area....and your Interior Design background will help, if you you it mostly as an understanding of cost. 

You are correct, local banks would go in and sit with them and go through rates and financing and understanding the payment.

I have a vision of building and developing mobile home communities in upstate NY that are vertically integrated to allow future members to choose from a catalog of homes, have them installed, provide them with financing options, and make the process of selecting, buying, and living in the community very smooth.Since this is my first time doing this, I would love to chat with an experienced mobile home developer on the following items:Zoning - navigating the zoning process to allow the community to be allowedStart up costs - I am a finance person who would love to better understand start up costs - septic / electrical / water / pads / roads / etcOn Going Maint Costs - in building our business case, I want to build a conservative financial model to capture all re-occurring expenses - utilities, landscaping, capex, septic clean out, etc.I know this is a lot, but would greatly appreciate talking to someone who is an expert in this asset class!

So you can understand why I was blown away to see prices half that or less with rents 1500-1800 in Duluth.