Prior, you had true 2x4s some were oak and you may have it in the 50's but more pine was used. 

Quick update on Oak Park.

North Linden, South of Main, Vassor Village, Woodland Park, MT Vernon, Milo-Grogan, Franklinton, Merrion Village, Hungarian Village, Southern Orchards, Driving Park, Olde Towne East, Franklin Park, King Lincoln, Old Oaks, Livingston Park are all but not limited to some areas in Columbus, Ohio I think will gentrify quickly and make for great long term buy and holds.

These are the last areas where you can find affordable homes somewhat close to a BART station.The Oak Knoll project breaks ground this year and the first phase will bring not only sorely needed housing (albeit with prices starting in the $900K range) but also a small shopping district with some amenities that are otherwise lacking in this area.  

There are trendy areas of Sacramento close to downtown and recovering areas like @Al Williamson always mentions...Oak Park.  

Hey friends! I've been interested in investing in real estate for years, but haven't gotten serious until now. I'd love to meet other investors in the area to network and share experiences, but I'm having a bit of a t...

Really nothing you can do but call their bluff, but again I am sure there are cash offers, AS IS , if so and your using a loan, well, sorry,,,,,,,, find another 

Go online and look at Oak Harbor-- It's a Navy town so you have many move in and move outs but the prices on duplexes and 4 plexes will get you close to your numbers.  

Each time it was a bluff, I was never presented with hospital or doctor bills after being told there were such bills.

@Oye Dosumu Malden is not a bad area if you target near Malden Center or Oak Grove (near a T stop) you'll do fine.