Key for investment comparison: Helps investors evaluate and compare properties for purchase. 5.

The sequence of events don't add up.

Get multiple quotes and make apples to apples comparisons.

Part of the appraisal is an income analysis, but the appraiser still has to reconcile the income approach with the other two approaches to value (cost and sales comparison).  

The property appraised at $25,000 over purchase by comparison method and around $60k over by cost method.

Noted on the units too, ideally a nice 4plex would be the best case scenario but as you mentioned anything is better from a financial perspective than paying the amount in rent I am currently.This market could cash flow pretty well at 20% down if i find the right property as the prices are below national average and rents are actually fairly good in comparison to property prices (plenty of 1% opportunites on SFH with a minimal cosmetic TLC). 

States are large and the footprint of these centers is TINY by comparison.

Be sure you're responding to them right away when they reach out to you, as well as have a great follow up sequence in place. 

As people started chasing yield, these prices rose too high in comparison to better vintage assets.It comes down to price, and your pro forma reflecting lower rents for these units.

Also, have you done a comparison of the cost-benefit analysis on renting the home out v. renting the condo out?