Buy box: Location: Approx. 30 min drive to Boston Heights, for workNeighborhoods: Decent walkability score - not far from shops/restaurants/trendy neighborhoodsIdeal tenants: Close to hospitals/universities/schools for professionals/students/familiesBudget: $175-250K - Buying w/conventional loan, 5% down/ approx 20K reno.Property type: MFH 2-4 units - preferably side-by-side, with a yard we can fence for our dogUnits: 3+/1+ - better if 1.5/2 bath per unitTimeline: Plan to live there for 2 years, but possibly only 1 year if we find another investment opportunityGoal: Focus on appreciation - would like to see cash flow in year 2-3 (the year we move out), including overhead (Vacancies, Maintenance, Utilities) and budgeting in PM if eventually we don't manage ourselvesValue add: Opportunity for some forced appreciation, but not a full reno - cosmetic upgrades and updating kitchens/baths while we live in one unit.

Walkable to locally owned restaurants and the street had mostly owner occupied homes that are owned by long time owners.

Walkable to locally owned restaurants and the street had mostly owner occupied homes that are owned by long time owners.

The area is very desirable, great schools, restaurants, shops and major airports close by. 12 mins from downtown St.

It has a Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Applebees, and a 99 Restaurant which is a New England chain as well as tons of other businesses and restaurants.

The work around was a Mexican bank was the owner and lease it to the foreigner.

Or should I consider the possibility of adding in a small restaurant? 

The area is very desirable, great schools, restaurants, shops and major airports close by. 12 mins from downtown St.

Here in Denver we actually have a restaurant depo where you can get papertowels, utensils, etc. in bulk.

Came close on two Mexican restaurants but they fell through for one reason or another.