Cheapest (but less permanent or visually appealing)1. 

I get that I may not appeal to you, but it is my plan and it has been working.

What would someone find appealing in those markets to make them decide to invest in it?

The thought of one property cash flowing over $1,165 is appealing, but the risk of lawsuit on a paid property makes me want to get a HELOC or refi and cash out.

The safe play for me is probably to just buy an Investment property in Buffalo (I already have a good relationship with a PM here who would be a great resource for me), but for some reason my heart is in Ellicottville - the idea of being able to use a property as a vacation getaway for a week or two a year and then rent it out the remainder of the year sounds super appealing.

I went to go see the home today, and found it to be appealing.

You also have to think about the demographic which your property appeals to.

A ranch home on a slab here would likely appeal to older buyers looking to downsize.

Is it worth it to buy a less appealing duplex that is in a not so desirable area?

Wholesaling appealed to me because I want to start small and build my way up to larger projects.