(You just need to be really good at spotting the big capex stuff up front and accounting for it in your purchase price.) 

I have been doing some new construction stuff in Ohio, and I'm curious to see how our costs compare to others. 

We had a list of preferred real estate agents we listed our stuff with to get fair market (maximum) sales price.If we wanted to dump a property below market value, we knew who the players were and would contact them discreetly - we didn't want any negative publicity.Unless you find a desperate, failing lender, don't see you having much success.

The jury is out on if snacks are the best fit for something like this, or stuff that the customers could use to detail their own cars. 

Random stuff like that can happen.  

I found a house I like but I’m having challenges because it’s renter occupied, there are boxes and stuff everywhere.

If you are okay with someone painting over your original woodwork (even though the lease says they can't) or ruining your marble countertops when they dye their hair (true stories) then you may be emotionally hardened enough to rent your original home that you have lovingly designed.Consider, also that at times you will have to carry two large mortgage payments and decide if you are willing to do that.

They are using AI as grunts but still have to check the data.Purchase and ordering, restaurants, self-check out that kind of stuff is more main stream and growing.  

I have a separate computer set up for QB that I don't use for personal stuff.

If you're looking for cheap stuff with high cashflow you need not travel further than the areas around Camden, NJ, Newark, NJ etc.