For example, below is a photo of a boarded-up fire-damaged property in poor condition.The popular site for a rental estimates I checked predicted the rent as $2,199/Mo.

Someone needs to start a cleaning company and then build it in a few popular markets, with a high standard of work. 

I know it's popular in CA.

I have a 4 bed/4 bath unit in a college town that is in a complex that is popular with international students.  

@Leah Smith DSCR that allows STR income is likely your best bet.

You best bet for duplexes are going to be East Dallas and North Oak Cliff.

The only way it would make sense to have little cashflow is if the location is PRIME and you are betting on appreciation over the next 5 years. 

Definitely a popular listing as the location is hard to come by.

DSCR loans have become extremely popular amongst foreign national investors because they do not require income verification to qualify or U.S. credit history (many use local credit history from their home country to verify creditworthiness), allowing for a more efficient underwriting process.  2.

But take actionable progress in the area's you identified you want to bet on.5) Have some conviction the direction your going, #1 will save you from some mistakes.