If you're seeking a reliable income stream, you should definitely consider Cleveland.

On the flip side, if you've got a bunch of Section 8 tenants living in a building that's in a neighborhood where a lot of the tenant base has good jobs, high credit scores, and are generally reliable people, you've got the most risky tenants in that tenant base and that ain't what ya want.

A simple baseline plan might’ve steered him toward properties with more reliable maintenace histories or a stronger neighborhood profile, saving him a lot of sweat.

Quote from @Locke Tucker: What type of rental is it?

Unless you're locking up 10 acres in a large metro where a DR Horton or KB homes might come in, thats a little less localized.

Still, I managed to lock it in for $145,000 by emphasizing how much TLC (and cash) it needed to bring it back to life.

Licensed with permits ~$3,250.HWT standard gas single family low efficiency without exhaust retrofit $900.Sand and stain hardwood floors, natural stain $3 per sf.Paint interior walls, ceiling trim and doors 3 tone paint scheme 2 coats $3.20 per sf (floor area cost includes paint)Click lock LVT flooring install overlay inclusive of prep and quarter round $4.50 per sf (materials and labor)Asphalt roof installation 3/1 - 800 sf bungalow with 2 layers of shingles - ~$7,900Standard porch cap replacement with 2 new precast concrete steps ~$2,500Used stove or refrigerator delivery and install $350New stove or refrigerator delivery and install $HD model specificUse this as a general guideline. 

And yes, any decent PM company should have relationships with reliable eviction attorneys.

Wholesale, foreclosure, and seller financing can work too, but I’ve noticed that careful analysis and having reliable local contacts often deliver the best results over time.So as you two gear up for your first flip, how are you balancing the potential risk with your long-term goal of buying rentals?

I don't try to evict based on neighbor complaints as those aren't super reliable and the people likely won't show up to court.