Jared I live in Barstow I have some info on contractors that I've gathered I cannot vouch for them personally as I'm currently saving up my chips to buy my first property right now but would love to collaborate or just pick your brain if your interested 

I am all for leveraging debt for investments, but credit card debt is bad debt and should only be held short term for flips or BRRRRs, and it doesn't sound to me like you have a plan for paying it off other than chipping away at it slowly.

If there is no chipping paint and he does not let the kids suck on the woodwork it may not be a problem.

I am also hearing about Intel investing $20B to build two chip manufacturing plants in Ohio.I see many small multi-units under $200k, and market rents are generally between $900 to $1500 for 1 to 3 bedrooms in C-grade neighborhoods that are next to B/C+ neighborhoods.But, don't trust my words. :)  If you decide to visit the city, maybe we can get together for a coffee meet!

Generally speaking older homes are not that popular in Texas; Waco Chip and Joanna factor not withstanding.

Its cliche but property management and sourcing good tenants will make or break you in this marketI personally think its worth having a crack at this market, chipping away slowly and look at returns.

I called the landlord personally, they are two partners owning that duplex together and they have a chip on their shoulder.

If my CoL goes down by about $1000 from a comparable rental and I'm chipping away at improving the building, earning equity and appreciating slightly - that feels like a positive?

Section 8 inspectors are very particular about mold, chipping paint (inside and out) and safety.

Thanks for the replies, it fit my understanding in that they can cut branches in their yard but they're out of luck otherwise.Honesty if they want to chip in to remove it I'm game.