I can say I've moved to STL about 5 yrs ago and I was at the gym right by the McDonalds/ Lindell Blvd area you're talking about and I feel safe and have not run into any issues there.St Louis is street by street - it really depends.You'll be able to rent it fast there due to it's location, I'm certain.

i am a reo broker here in south florida and work with many current asset managers and several banks. we sell many reo properties. some of those lists floating around out there are dead end streets as so many bomb bard the asset managers with requests they dont even reply 1

I can say one mistake I made was while buying in great neighborhoods (up and coming) I lost equity on two where we bought on a busier street.

Basically, what you'd be doing is reaching out to a lender and letting them know "I'm planning to buy 123 Main Street in 3 days with cash.

I have to second that this market requires a great understanding of the neighbors and even streets.

Quote from @Andrew Street: Hello Josh,I just messaged you about creating scalable systems!

I think he ended up spending 30-40k for the fire suppression system, windows, and whatever else the city required... and I'm not even sure this is possible anymore, since I think Union City's program is not going on anymore, and, in general, they require showing off-street parking.I'm uncertain if the economics will make sense for you, although I'm not sure what JC may require or how your basement looks now.

Don’t call the random agent down the street with the company that advertises on TV.

All units are 2 bed 1 bath, single story with off street parking. 

All utilities are at the street.