Anyone have any good recommendations on websites that might provide some details about crime in a specific area?  I've seen the info on Trulia and that seems pretty good but if that is as accurate as their market valu...

I really don't want to assume that the rents will raise 2-3% every year, even if statistics are currently showing that.

I emailed them asking for statistics for the last few years, esp where the Vallejo ferries have been dropping off.

Is this a "plucked from air" statistic?

Not sure of the time frame they used but at least it's based on actual statistical analysis.

The median income also lessens the impact of ultra-high-wages residents (which you and I both know are far more common in NY than the city of Cleveland).As an aside, I don't like using the city of Cleveland as a statistical marker.

Statistically, the city has low rates of crime for a city of that size within the 'rust belt', average income and unemployment figures, relatively low rental vacancies, and, most importantly, SFRs at less than 30k which, based on my understanding of the area, do not follow the popular negative sentiment on homes at this price point.  

When I was an undergrad, I had a statistics teacher who didn't allow calculators!

Here is my take and it may seem bold for a new investor:I learned a lot retired buyer/ investor of like 399 homes in person.I have read a great book on real estate, BP forums.I have gone to the auctions....and you are right many are REO'd.Prospective single home to buy: 3 of 4 homes orig. principal <101-110k--and likely the 4th too.

Here is a low-down on what is going on in Wake county. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/166945-statistics-on-sdira-lending-and-owning-one-county-in-ncPM me for the custodian I used, if you want a name.