The property sold for over $150,000 in 2007, so not a war zone...now granted that was then, before the crash, but the if the market is projected to recover at some slow but predictable rate, then appreciation could happen, but won't if the intrinsic value of the homes has decreased because now they are vacant and boarded up.

Right now, prices are increasing and inventory is decreasing.

In many localities the taxes will decrease when a house is purchased by a homeowner.

I am curious to hear your opinion if a ratio needs to increased or decreased.

40K is the market value and I don't see that increasing or decreasing anytime soon.Thanks for your input!

If you are considering of living in the multi, you will achieve ultimate financial benefit of having a decreased living exposure, this should be the goal.

The only way to decrease cost is to find a different auto insurer which maybe you are able to do. 

Looks like it has been listed for a year or so, with some decrease in asking price over that year, but not much.Her ad expressly asks for OFFERS and indicates she is looking for a quick sale, and she identified herself as motivated.

I'd suggest targeting 2 families below $300k (decreasing supply of these), and 3 families in the ~350k range.

In the course of one year a house typically won't increase or decrease materially.