The market in East Orange has changed quite a bit since this thread started, the market is ultra competitive now and the price of entry for a decent multi family is the mid to high $300s (it will be in a rougher area, need work and the location will be a bit far from the train station) If you want to house hack, buy a property with more than 2 units or you're looking for a light rehab be ready to pay the high $300s-high $400s.

But when you get out into the rural areas its 80% conservative.. the voting is controlled by the Portland metro area and ultra liberal college town of Eugene. !!

There's always renter in that city.I see folks are having ultra-analysis just for 2/1 BR SFR rental. 

And thankfully because ultra low interest rates might be a thing of the past.

As I would have been able rent them out and receive income and now it's going to be at least another couple months of construction..Any insight would be great.Thanks, If you purchased proper insurance that indicated the duplex was vacant and under construction it's unlikely "loss of rent" would be included in such a policy since there is no rent unfortunately.If your insurance didn't indicate the property was vacant and under construction that could be another issue altogether but you didn't actually have any lost income so coverage would not likely apply.In general, it's ultra critical to speak with your insurance agent about vacancies as related to insurance before a claim. 

Ultra tenant friendly in its politics.

That answer comes from The Clorox Company, Oakland CA, manufacturer and distributor of Ultra Clorox® Regular Bleach.

That's how great deals are found.While I'd like to take the credit for being some sort of rental property genius that finds super-duper, ultra-low priced, once in a century deals on a daily basis because of my "SECRET" strategy - I'm certainly not.

This may also explain my being ultra-conservative. 

Parties, local stays and ultra high maintenance guests have been avoided and everyone is happy.Note: Airbnb changed their Terms of Service earlier this year on IDs; they now discourage us from collecting them.