Some possibilities, maybe become very active in a local men's baseball/softball league.

Hi Harold, Bayridge is out of my league.

I grew up in champion, bought a house in Warren then 2 years ago moved to Cortland. 

I believe we all should stay in our own league and work our way up.

Texas is close and appears to be the consensus best state  I'm going to focus on counties that aren't as popular to see how I can warm up in the minor leagues  I went to the auction in Houston and it was ridiculous.  

Its MSA is the 28th largest in the nation (2.2 million residents) and grew at a rate of 8.1% from 2000 2010.Cincinnati is home to two major sports teams, the Cincinnati Reds, the oldest franchise in Major League Baseball, and the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League.

Just like not everyone can be a successful surgeon, airline pilot, or major league baseball player, not everyone can be a successful investor.

http://www.landwatch.com/BobLand Rescue League LLC

I would add to Ben's comment that the people who will rent in high-crime areas are not only people who don't have a choice but (quite possibly) people who will also engage in criminal activity.I agree with Lisa who champions for the low income/high quality tenant.

I will second @Ned Carey and say that short of an Ivy League real estate MBA the CCIM program is the best education available and much less expensive though it's not cheap.