., permits, approvals, key fixtures), but were unprepared for the time associated with some of the smaller details—the lead time for the tiles we selected, not having planned our lighting fixtures and then having to redo electrical work when we picked a side versus top mounted light, having to scramble when selected items were unexpectedly out of stock, etc.

can you afford to keep the lights on in all the units while you wait to fill them?

I tried lowering the purchase price by $23,000 (light repairs @ $10 per sf).

The other problem with basement units besides noise is the lack of natural light coming in.

I would love to meet someone from this area or within 50 miles who can shed some lights on me about real estate.

I have mentioned this many times before but what do you think would happen to the auto industry if all vehicles had to be paid for in cash like many foreign countries.. that's why there are so few cars in many of those countries.. and what would happen to private aviation where light aircraft enjoy 90% financing for 20 years at 4 to 6% interest and there are tax benefits but they start at 400 k  and light jets that start at 3 million or light turbo props at 2 million.. yet hundreds of these are sold each year .. all because of credit.and just like commercial airliners many are leased and those leasing companies are buy 50 million dollar or 100 million dollar planes with credit not cash then leasing them to the airline.s   bottom line credit freeze's we see what happened. 

I would try to stay near Light Rail and transportation options.

@Robert Walston The lender I just gave the "green light" to get pre-qual'd mentioned putting 20% down to help lower the monthly payment, but I didn't really question it, as I don't plan on doing that if not required.But something that did catch me off guard was that he suggested I might need to show the (income) ability to carry the entire note, as if there were no tenants.This may not be difficult for a duplex but a 3-4 unit would be.

I have people that run it down to lightbulbs, each light switch and outlet cover is counted and figured in to their analysis. 17 pages of SKU numbers from Home Depot or Lowes, who they are having lay carpet and the cost they are paying.

As I read through Alex Goldovsky's book Bulletproof Title Due Diligence (great book btw) and some of the potential title issues come to light, I'm wondering what jurisdictions you experienced investors have blacklisted and will not invest in.