Many times, however, you'll get nothing in return - function of what you have and characteristics of the marketplace...In other words, while a bathroom should make sense, in some locations you can put gold-plated toilets and nobody will choose to live there anyway...get what I'm saying?

What kind of characteristics am I looking for here when it comes to areas to market to?

I would include:-Strategy: the high level goal you plan to accomplish-3-5 goals/tasks to work toward that support your strategy-Dates and milestones, both short- and long-term-Measures of success: how you know your plan is working-Next steps: what you'll do immediately to get started and keep momentumIn my humble opinion, focus and discipline are two of the most important characteristics of a successful buy and hold investor.

And, because I just read the very timely article from @Karen Margrave here are the lot characteristics: Average lot sizes in the area are 6,000 - 10,000 sq. ft.Infill lot with no views (rest of the area is completely developed)Lot is almost completely flatHouses in the area are selling for roughly $330/sq. ft.Some other lots that have sold in the last year have gone between $115k - $200k 

@Tom Knapp, A, B or C is referring to the class of the property, each property classification reflects a different risk and return because the properties are graded according to a combination of location and physical characteristics.

Unless you are an area that share the characteristics of the economics of Detroit 1990-2005 with jobs, I think you are good.  

What do REI look for in a mentee and what characteristics must they show for you to give them your time? 

These are people who share motivational characteristics of people ready to sell, but haven't yet done all the work they think they need to list property.

These are people who share motivational characteristics of people ready to sell, but haven't yet done all the work they think they need to list property.

Grit and perseverance are two characteristics that will help you overcome issues that arise; it is all about perspective.