I'm not looking to manage them myself so I think that puts me in Hartford by necessity.

After paying rent, can they pay for life's basic necessities + their outstanding obligations/debts because if they can't, your rent money will be one of the first things they'll stop paying when there's a hiccup. 

There are many honorable and hardworking individuals who juggle many balls in the air for themselves, their families, and by necessity, their vendors.Frequently letting your customers know you sincerely appreciate the job they do, and your relationship with them, is among the most satisfying parts of any business.Jeff

I know the power of necessity.

My question is in regards to factoring in the cost to upgrade a new bathroom even if the bathroom has the basic of basic necessities??

While I completely HATE windows in showers, sometimes they are a necessity and this bathroom was no different, without the window, you couldnt see your hand in front of your face on a bright sunny day and nothing beats natural light.

My first flip was an accident - a buy and hold that went bad and the necessity to rehab and flip it.

Is it worthwhile since having a license is not a necessity for investing?

Cash flow is best in working class areas but the bulk of ROI is achieved via rent and property appreciation so the initial cash flow from working class neighborhoods is not a necessity for good ROI.  

I don't know if I would call it a beginners trap as much as a beginners necessity.