There are areas of CHICAGO that have that same level of safety.

Evan, what exactly the investment model I have landed on for myself.

The one model I saw that might work was someone purchased a large house and did the boarding house approach. 5-6 bedrooms at something like 800-1200 per month on year leases.

If the income you're making relative to the net proceeds (equity) or return on your equity is high enough and the prospects of appreciation are strong relative to your other options you may want to keep it but, if you're making a total return of lets say 15% but prospects for 25% return can be obtained safety in abundance then you may want to consider to grow your money quicker by selling your property.

After a year, the utility company requires air pressure tests, permits, meter/safety checks and who know what other hoops I'll discover and jump through.

You should put a financing and appraisal contingencies in the contract for the new home.4- Assuming you (and your family) are going to live in the new house there are a whole slew of other items for you to consider ie: school district, neighborhood safety, travel time for work, etc.I wouldn't worry too much about getting a deal on a house I'm going to live in unless it is for a very short term.

I'm in full blown sponge mode trying to learn as much as I can.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and will dangle tax incentives and grants in front of the selected communities in order to create a dependence partnership between local government, businesses and agencies and the Federal government “to create jobs, leverage private investment, increase economic activity, expand educational opportunities, and improve public safety.”The UPI contributed to this report.

There is a reason that basements require egress - SAFETY.

Wear appropriate safety gear.