Plus different people look at properties differently and someone might pull up a gem that someone else just didn't "see."

This is a great area to invest in and there are still many gems out there. 

After adding a lot of pretty to the dirty gem, I'm in a position to use it as my first investment home.

Here is a BP Blog Post I wrote about the Memphis, TN market you may find helpful though written with multifamily in mind, most of the remarks apply to single family as well: Best Multifamily Markets and Hidden Gems

I wouldn't say that spending precious life time to drive around to get lucky is a strategy I use anymore, since the competition uses faster, better and cheaper tools and will pick up that gem way before you see it.

No need for expensive vintage furniture or anything like that. 

There's a lot of hidden deals and gems around this area especially since there are several colleges and Hersheypark being such a large attraction.

After spending lots of time on various Real Estate investments websites/blogs, seems like I finally found a gem.

I asked my supervisors for old leads (2+ years) and found some gems but it does take time and a lot of telemarketing.

Absolutly NO Menards grade "updates" in this gem.