However, there were a lot of intelligent activists who were very involved in how the City and schools were shaped.  

Do market research well to spot trends, demand, and chances to invest.

Home appreciation has been still quite solid.Most of the rents went up barely, if not just trended flat.

Now, as you mentioned, the property has to be in move in ready shape (but can need updating but has to be livable) for conventional or DSCR loans. 

I really do think "house hacking" - people buying their first home and living in one unit renting the other 1-3 is here to stay and will become a bigger and bigger trend in the next few years - should push up values medium/long-term in the niche

The property was also in far better shape than the neighbor or the daughter believed it to be once we cleared out all the junk. 

I've seen a trend lately of more options in the 20-25% range.

This is more a B- class neighborhood.I plan on doing a remodel of the kitchen including new countertops, range and hood, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher; the cabinets are actually in solid shape and hardwood so I would like to keep them, but they definitely need to be stained and will also be adding hardware on them.

It appears the property is in bad shape, what can you tell me about the condition and is the tenant causing more and more damage?

I found an off market 4 pack of houses that seem to be in great shape.