I want to maintain the integrity of our block.

This would be just one more phone call; not that much more incrementally painful in the scheme of things.Still, you make a good point.  

If it is a specific list of home owners within an area(s), then I would rather create a personalized postcard campaign raising their pain points and you providing them benefits and credibility so prospect will call you.  

Things can go from well off to downright scary in just a couple blocks as it is a city in transition that has had its share of hard times.

The last step in your screening process, should include a phone call or meeting to assess the character of your tenant and whether you feel they will be easy to work with or highly demanding and a pain in the ***. 

I think it's all about seeing what's happening in the 5-10 block vicinity of your property, and waiting for the trends to tell you what to do or not do to command more rent.

I was buying foreclosures in East PA in the early 80's for 5 to 15k a door  LOL... how many do I still have  Zero !!!

I've been contacted by some of these folks with potential deals.Just yesterday I was checking out a new home being built a few blocks away in my neighborhood.

Make sure you don't block any soffit vents with insulation as this will cause the attic to not work properly.

Everything I read seems to say that apartments are nice but they become more of a pain to manage instead of a single family with a good chance of a long term tenant.I know the time is now to get it but I'm driving myself crazy looking at different properties!