In all major cities, especially ones with a higher crime index, unless you study the market and know it, I would never rely on someone else to choose a block.

He studied in France with his cowboy hat and boots.

. 🙂 By investing between your ears, I mean only you can really actively study real estate and different techniques that are right for you. 

Study the market.

Then add any other codes required where you want to build and study those as well.

Studying the local market makes a lot of sense.

As for soft costs, you’re looking at a fair amount for a condo conversion-there are legal docs to have drawn up, reviews, surveys, recordings, setting up the HOA, reserve studies etc.

Squatters are a real problem nationally and a study found that they target not only vacant properties but those advertised for rent or sale that offer 'immediate occupancy.' 

I would like to do some research on other rental properties before I set my priceComputer algorithms are good for studying a general market, maybe even a neighborhood, but they are terrible for evaluating a specific rental.

I got the Discover It Secured card in high school and used that to build up my credit.