This was also part of why they chose to leave western Pennsylvania and go places where the job markets were better in their fields, leaving the parents behind in the family home.Sooner or later, the house ends up empty and in the hands of the far-off kids, who with depressing frequency get the bright idea to run it as a rental.

I realize the 3% cash on cash is pretty depressing, but considering what I'll save with the 1031 on taxes, and that my money is not just sitting in the back, and I learn how to manage a duplex and graduate from a single family flip into the rental game, I have to admit I'm enticed. the property is with a realtor but the person selling is also an investor moving to larger property.

If you cant sell those homes fast enough and get revenue coming in before your curtailment is due ( say 20 homes at 25k a pop = $500k annualized ) you would be looking at a large curtailment on a 30/60/90/120 day flooring plan. the other issue is lets say you can get tenant buyers in there and sell those home on contract, if the price for the area is depressed or you cant get anyone to afford what you would need to break even in a new or newer home in your area for a rental then your in trouble.

I want to be in the position where I don't care if it's there.)I read where people who grew up during The Great Depression of the 1930s often learned to play two musical instruments.

From 2013 to 2016, I invested out of state (Midwest) where prices were still very depressed. 

It is a depressed property for sure.Also being a rowhouse I wonder how that affects cost?

Watch out for personality disorders in partners, tenants, contractors or employees.

If you use it as a compass, it will tend to point you to depressed areas.  

In our city there is also a crime called "keeping a disorderly house" - it is a catch-all for party houses and such.

Just the other day, I was counting the vacant spots on Market St and it was depressing.