From my experience, properties in Flood Zone A aren't always dealbreakers, especially when they're in desirable locations like lakefronts.

However, I've been searching for newer, cheaper value-adds to student rental properties and have found focusing on outdoor spaces can be a huge draw with much less of the cost of tearing out kitchens, baths, etc.

I can’t figure out how to search through the app for any topic.

People think it's inexpensive to install a Washer & Dryer, but getting the gas, electrical, water, and drain/vent there is usually quite expensive.Here in Chicago, we always want to be at the top of the market regardless of the competition, so we almost always install a W/D when we renovate our properties, even in some of the less desirable neighborhoods.

Please message me if you’re still looking and like to talk :) good luck with your search!

Quote from @Scott Scialabba: Quote from @Corby Goade: Lots of things to consider here; generally speaking, the higher the ROI, they less desirable the properties are.

Even though interest rates and terms won't be as desirable as conventional, you'll have an easier time getting pre-approved.

So you are putting in various inputs/assumptions, like gross revenue (total sales prices of homes) less soft costs, hard costs, city fees, desired profit margin (i.e. 15% of gross revenue) = residual value (what the land is worth).

Is there a no win / no fee type of service I should be searching for?   

They're publicly available via a quick google search.