Basically, it's as if she and you are both starting at the beginning of your RE journeys, to find out whether she/you would be better off investing for appreciation (eg. buying property that should be ALREADY worth more than you pay for it, AND it's due to keep going up in value too, but, won't generate much net cash flow), or, buying for cash flow (in areas where appreciation has not happened historically, but are still golden egg locations for double digit net rent returns). 

Local news loves stories about bad landlords!

David Gritz Maybe some bad timing on the question with live news coverage but I'll throw out one idea.

Thank you and nice to digitally meet you all!

Does anyone know of any reliable, general contractors in the Hampton Roads area, specifically Newport News and Hampton? 

Many say California's housing shortage is even worse than many think so that probably bodes well for the more affordable locations in SoCal moving forward.http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/NE/20170828/NEWS/170829674http://abc7.com/business/air-force-contract-expect...Good luck!

It requires keeping up on the local area's news, attending council meetings, keeping up on what's happening in the city you want to invest in.  

http://www.startribune.com/apartment-mogul-frenz-sells-off-his-apartment-building-but-law-suit-seeks-to-block-him/443107293/http://www.startribune.com/housing-court-orders-minneapolis-landlord-to-return-record-27-813-to-tenants/424178803/http://www.citypages.com/news/spiros-zorbalas-the-former-slumlord-of-south-mpls-still-flying-his-private-jet-6567567

But we got it done and all great news.

Oh, and for some for not-so-good news this property happens to have bed bugs and a putrid smell from animals & rotting food in the fridge.