I am considering offering him $1.8m with a low (or no) down payment and seller financing at a low interest rate so I can at least break even on cash flow after getting rent closer to market value and with upside potential as a MTR and strong  appreciation opportunity.

Just make sure the appreciation rate is strong where you buy. 

Hi Noy, Pittsburgh is a strong market for investors.

Most who fail  buy C/D real estate without strong fundamentals.

Its affordability, ongoing revitalization initiatives, and strong rental market contribute to its appeal.

It should be pretty accurate - high level data sites are not always going to be perfect, but should always be directionally correct and AirDNA has a pretty strong track record. 

There are a lot of markets with solid job markets, strong populations, solid rent growth, but when you are talking ONE property, unless you are considering highly rural areas, it likely doesn't matter.  

Hi Fredrick,It’s great that you have two strong applicants for your property!

It explains the team that you should develop to have a strong foundation under you while investing remotely.https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/core-four-real-estate-team

We've got strong job growth (tech, healthcare, education), stable population growth, strong rental demand, and plenty of value-add opportunities in multifamily.