I'm talking about our market in columbus not texas. our market was developed 1900 to 1940 and not only is it issues with the age and general updates but also layouts are obsolete. it's meant to be a discussion I just wanted to get a good chat going 

Wife and I are both self-employed so acquiring a traditional mortgage is challenging based on our "on paper" income.

We live in a "he said, she said" world, but as long as you have everything documented and a paper trail, you're protected. 

Weird layout houses in a questionable neighborhood (making an assumption there) don't sell for appraised value.

Inspect appliances for age and condition,and look over the flooring for any damage.For tenant considerations, evaluate the unit layout for functionality and storage, and check for safety features like smoke detectors and secure locks.

Be sure to keep a copy of the ad with your tax papers in the 1 in 1000 likelihood that anyone will ever ask you to prove it.What you don't want is that upon the sale years later you find the IRS adjusting the cost basis to take into account the year of purchase as a year of "allowable" depreciation even though you didn't start depreciating that year because the rule is that whether you take it or not it is treated as a reduction of the cost basis.

Would have bought one higher quality asset (Class A or B) in Indianapolis metro area and not two Class C homes "cash flow on paper" which in reality I'm negative most months (sold one home to cut my losses) - constant repairs called in by tenant.

The price we thought was very reasonable in this current market based off the other properties we have seen prior to that with similar layouts. 

Brokers acting as paper pushers and contract writers will obviously charge alot less than a broker taking on all responsibilities including marketing. 

Just like Bitcoin, credit cards, paper checks, tulips, sea shells and so on.