Your target areas, and maybe a couple surrounding ones.  

Database the builders in the surrounding area.  

The short answer is no,don't do it.You don't seem to be in the right mindset to become a member of my profession which is exactly what it is,a profession and not a hobby to pick up or put away at will.My profession requires lots of time devoted to learning both in and out of the classroom for at least 6 months to earn a license and the follow up sales training at the brokerage.It is not cheap either to get started with all the fees involved.From what you are describing about your personal life,family demands,and interests desired to pursue,I would concentrate on learning about investing in your spare time.Learn how to evaluate property for potential profits after repairs are done.Join an investment club and surround yourself with successful people who have already been through the process.Learn about hard money,gap funding,and what it takes to get the money you need when you need it.

One of the problems is that it is surrounded by a couple of lower income communities.  

Really considering buying new, I am confident these neighborhood will appreciate due to location and surrounding neighborhoods.

Morning all,  Im looking to lease option/sandwich lease option in the Buffalo NY and surrounding suburbs.

There seems to be a shortage of deals in the Richmond and Surrounding areas right now. 

Note: all the surrounding are very ugly Class C- buildings around you.

I can't afford a big list so I focus on the surrounding zip codes that are listed as pre-forclosure here in the Houston area.

I am just curious, in this current market here in Atlanta and the surrounding areas, what is working for you guys and what is not?