So this made me curious are they a good investment in the snow belt regions?

My family has a few properties under our belt in the Central PA area.

The more experienced you are with deals under your belt, the better terms you'll get. 

@George Blower When taking out a 401k loan if I’m NOT using the funds to buy a home, does it matter if my dti is higher then 50% or do they not care what your dti is?

Crime a fraction of what you will see in ANY big Rust Belt MSA and i mean a fraction. 

@George Blower thank you!

Most of the rust belt is affordable, but if you're looking for affordable, the properties definitely need close attention.

Almost as good as the rust belt.

higher return greater risk.now there are little secondary and tierary markets through out the middle of american and some rust belt cities that locals can do this.. and they do it well and its their busienss.. this is not finanical freedom .. its just a job the job is real estate and running tenants.. instead of buying any other kind of business that someone runs for you.. your buying rental houses or apartments it takes work to do it right and there is risk when your criteria is 12 to 17% returns..

It is really the rust belt that is suffering most from this.