These areas are exactly as you describe, economically depressed.

In my case, there was no point in feeling depressed about the money I had lost or the poor way the project had progressed.

Upon interviewing potential tenants, I would explain to them the current situation so that they know that some disorder and noise could occur during their first few weeks/months.  

Sure, it is probably seen as a depressed area with little economic or social allure.  

But it's exhausting and depressing to see how many people don't even try to help themselves and want something for nothing.  

Check out this podcast on NPR Planet money that suggests if nothing is done for this, there won't be any water in California in about 40 years.... pretty depressing stuff if you pay attention to itNPR Podcast 640 Bottom of the well

But, as the days get shorter, the nights longer, the weather cold and gray with brown all around from the dormant plant life, the environment can frankly get fairly depressing.  

Habitat homes are usually from what I have seen in depressed areas with little sales activity. 

Add to that the fact that some leases restrict the amount rent can be increased each time, and the leases themselves depress market rent.  

Flip #1 was a success at 19k profit, flip #2 broke even (depressed about that but I'll get around to writing about it someday), and here we are at flip #3.