You are taking a gamble because a bad tenant could cost you way more than appreciation, once you subtract out the transaction costs.  

His wife has since moved out as she had no idea that he had the liens or the stealth bank accounts.The webs we weave...REI is such an interesting pursuit !!!

The numbers are as close to accurate as I could find out, using a property tax look up web site, the rento meter site and information from the agent.Renovation costs are based on my own observation from the listing pictures and limited feed  back from a selling agent email..so in reality the rehab costs are just a guestimate at this stage. 

What other creative ideas do people have and enjoy or have great feedback from residents These don't have to be free of expensive just creative ......Hi Steven,A while back (on the web) I read about an apartment complex being built in Europe where the developer intended to put an equestrian riding area and a gun range on the property.

An investment of anything is a gamble.

It's still a gamble.

Many call appreciation plays gambling or the like.

Funds show up in our business account 1 day later.We factor their fees into the rents when we market our vacant properties.They have a Web portal as well as smartphone apps for iPhone and Android devices.We also require tenants submit all repair requests via their app or website.While it may sound like it, I am not an employee of theirs, nor do I receive any compensation for making a referral.

When I say real I mean 1) they are not just regurgitating the MLS (I'm working with an agent) and 2) actually exist beyond an inactive web presence?

I tried looking on your basic web searches to see if any rentals were in these neighborhoods but virtually no info that was relevant.