How do you know there is a diamond behind all that foreclosure rough?

I think i will grow my network (Maybe i'll see you at the Black Diamond meet-up this week) and look for properties where the numbers make sense.

Don't spend your wheels trying to find that diamond in the rough.

If you are willing to go for a drive the Black Diamond meeting in Worcester is worth checking out.  

The Black Diamond event in Waltham/Worcester is a good one as well as the Chelmsford REIA. 

Every now and then there is diamond amongst the coal.

You have to wade through all the junk to get to the relatively rare diamond in the rough.

with  the duplex it could be annoying and a diamond in the ruff to find.there are some houses we would consider living in and letting our family plant some roots... 

I'm not sure if the term diamond in the rough applies, but it leans itself towards it with that return!

Here's what I gleaned as a summary of hardening tips for reducing turnover/maintenance costs:panasonic bath fans with timers in bathrooms4 coats of poly on wood floorsdouble door stopstile floors, showers vs surroundssingle lever shower valve vs. doublereplace toilets with steel parts/mechanicals whenever it starts to runKwikset smart keys (some debate over efficacy)door stoppers on all hingesremove pop-up drains and replace with commercial drains2' drain lines from sinks with an accessible clean outbuy a key cutter - maker for $50 on craigslistGranite tile counters - need a diamond polisher and tile sawUsed Fixed vs. friction shower rodsKeyed deadbolt and passage knob on outside doors to prevent accidental lockout5/8' fire core drywall - can't put a fist thru it and its fire-resistant1/4" board to back up towel rodspolyurethane cabinets under sink to pre seal and drain water to the floor2x4 base under cabinets to prevent particle board cabinets from failing where they meet the floorVinyl scrap under sink and up the back wallBest of luck!