Generally, this type of counseling might have a little fee to it but it's well worth it if it protects you (and them). 

Your best bet is to read information from public blogs that approach both options objectively.

- The Setup for Spring Season- My Skeptical TakeThe Weekly 3: News, Data and Education to Keep You Informed- Warnings flashing of ‘froth’ in crypto and stocks as S&P 500 valuation surpasses 2000 levels (BofA/Yahoo).- China is issuing record debt to stave off recession, while the US bull market continues (Wallerstein).- Texas vs California Home Construction.

The settl4ement was private, but I bet it was at least $400k knowing the attorney's involved, maybe more. 

I'm willing to bet you may have to pay some of their demand to ensure this doesn't happen.3.

A builder that knows the area very well.

Those buying close to the city are either breaking even or taking negative cashflow and banking on appreciation (or buying all cash and parking money, ha).If you do consider Lowell, I'd also recommend you check out the Fitchburg/Leominster area as well.

I bet short term rentals can work right in your own backyard!

So in the end it is a balance.I like the idea of knowing your market very very very well and think if you do, you can outperform vs investing in places you really don't know as well. 

Not only do you have to do all the things needed for the inside, but you also have the outside to worry about as well.