that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

I'll keep it fully furnished, so I can potentially charge more, especially since it’s also near a major hospital in Astoria and close to LGA.Do you think this plan is feasible?

The vast majority of licensees don't do any business.

For example do you have a great w2 and can you afford to cover costs of a major repair or 3 months of vacancy?

The problem is the buildings are in major need of repair...and because of this, rents are one of the lowest in town. 

We were just really lucky to not have any major issues pop up until last year.  

I also like Haverhill as a peripheral city to Boston - commuter rail stop, close to major highways, and nice downtown with some municipal improvements on the way.PROPERTY OVERVIEW:Unit Mix: (3) 2BR units, (1) 1BR unit, plus parkingRecent Upgrades: New roof, updated electrical panels, new hot water heaterLocation: Walkable to downtown in a well-established neighborhoodParking: Dual driveways provide off-street parking for tenantsRENOVATION SCOPE & COSTS:Limited photos available, but if the rest of the house is in similar condition, likely cosmetic rehab only (~$30K per unit).Potential upgrades include paint, flooring, kitchen cabinets/counters, and appliances.Ideal for a DIY landlord or owner-occupant looking to add value, but also works well for any investor seeking cashflow.MARKET RENTS & INCOME POTENTIAL:Market Rent Estimates (based on local comps):2BR Units: $2,200 - $2,500/month1BR Unit: ~$2,000/monthTotal Potential Rent: ~$8,600/monthCurrently Fully Tenanted:Current rents cover mortgage payment.Would need to manage tenant move-outs before renovations, which could delay the project.Evictions may be necessary if tenants do not leave voluntarily.FINANCIALS & PROJECTED RETURNS:Financing Assumptions:20% down payment, 7% interest rate, 30-year fixed mortgagePrincipal & Interest (P&I): ~$4,524/monthAnnual Expenses (including taxes & insurance): ~$17,000Utility Costs:Heat is not separately metered, leading to higher utility costs (factored into analysis).Projected Cash Flow & Returns:10% cash-on-cash return once stabilized$31K+ annual cash flow5-year total ROI ~95%, factoring in principal paydown and 2% annual appreciation

Any major drawbacks or is it easier than it sounds? 

@Travis Gutting, the fact of the matter is: $100k in today's market is by and large going to land you in a "rough part of town", a MAJOR renovation, or into rural areas.Granted, I don't know every market, but Cincinnati (my market) and Louisville are not too dissimilar.  

I don't see it as an issue but many still do, at least in my small town where the majority of renters are elderly people looking for low maintenance housing options.