To make the investment worthwhile, naturally I would look at some properties that need a little work, but not a total wreck.

I deal with a municipality, two electric companies, a natural gas provider, and a water provider.

It's all situational as your age, goals, regeneration of capital,etc. all play factors in strategy.I know for commercial real estate maybe 4 out of 10 calls the investor might be a fit for me.

I think most rants are unproductive by their very nature.

I keep the rents the same, and let natural turnover create the vacancy. 

Natural ventilation shall be through windows, doors, louvers or other approved openings to the outdoor air.

And I say that not in arrogance, but just in the very nature of what we are doing.

It is more efficient to have a few open at the same time if they have the same applicant pool, but even if you try to get them the same, they are going to start to naturally stagger as people leave before the lease is up. 

@John Warren I don't think i have ever witnessed balanced conditions either, maybe just cyclical nature of r.e. or something else, but the trend line for appreciation just keeps up with inflation outside of the big, multi year market swings

It's the nature of the business.I wouldn't recommend hiring an agent since most agents aren't familiar or comfortable with the areas you would be investing.Your best bet is to find professionals in all facets of the process in the market you choose then fly in to town for a couple of days.