I have to think this is your best bet by far.2) Craigslist3) Realtors.  

The University area is very good to invest in with decent returns and a safe bet

I think you best bet on a smaller sized multi-family in this case is to allow tenants to connect their own washer/dryer for a fee or just charge slightly more rent for the convenience rather than buy coin-op machines. 

I currently invest in both, the path of progress are great but you are betting on the actions of others, so while the pay off is potentially huge, it sometimes doesn't work out as planned.

Houston is going to be your best bet at this point, New Orleans is really tight, deals are very hard to come by these days.

Betting its good old fashioned foundation damage.You will want to have not only an inspector take a look, but you might see if you can find a foundation company or structural engineer to check things out and get you a quote, because most inspectors will just tell you its a foundation issue and not provide any background on the scope.Foundation issues are common in Texas, every house you will come across will have issues to some extent.

The other day my uncle received a $1 bill in the mail from someone offering to buy his house --- I bet they used your Property Search feature to find him (100% equity, in a very desirable market of California, purchased back in the 80's).  

Another thing I'll add is that if you look at their tax returns, I'll bet you will see that she isn't paying taxes on a lot of her retirement income. 

It depends on where the damage is what you would be looking at for cost but everyone is hedging there bets by saying I can't see what id's in the walls.

best bet is to hire a full season lawn / snow service that can do your property year round..Seasonal rates for each  snow and for lawn care.. get some bids.. your going to find the good companies are probably already booked for snow and won't touch you unless you contract with them also for lawn care.. so make sure and mention that when you call.. have them do the fall clean up.. and get started right away..