A few small commercial buildings aren't going to radically transform an area no matter what businesses they bring in.

This was Dec 2016 - Mar 2017Here are more before: Oh wow what a transformation!

Neighborhoods that were the preferred hangout of crack dealers/users at the turn of the century (2000) were transformed into little hipster enclaves all over town in less than 10 years.Edit: additional thought on light rail.  

I recently read where downtown Portland has been transformed immensely.

We needed a new transformer (the reason the circuit board got fried) which cost us all of..drum roll...$40.

Thanks for introducing yourself.It's awesome to hear about your primary residence transformation and increase in value.

I was amazed at the transformation I made.

Neighborhoods transform, you need to be out in front and have boots on the ground to learn the market, or team up with someone who does and knows the city and can source deals. 

Included in this that thread is a new video to see the transformation of an outdated Tudor style property to a beautiful estate.

If you are doing it on a budget, then don't expect to make a big transformation in a short period of time.