I think you're putting too much negative weight on nearby train tracks.

Personally, the advice I take is heavily weighted towards those that have the experience to say what they've done vs someone's opinion of what they plan to do. 

A good broker is worth their weight in gold. 

I'm still weighted much more heavily towards real estate, but that's a function of leverage and how hot my local market is.

But if any problems arise, they can be worth their weight in gold and prevent you from a major catastrophe.Because you already have the deal lined up, you can probably find an agent to process the transaction for a discounted price, but don't go looking for the cheapest!

If so, trust them, trust me; a good CPA Is worth their weight in gold. 

Licensed, has all shots and immunizations, name/breed/age/weight, pic, maybe even a meet-and-greet.

You need to be in areas that have landlord-friendly laws or at least equal weight.

They are not unattractive, but the problem is they add a lot of weight to trees, fences, etc. and cause them to droop, tilt, break, etc. 

Most hard money lenders are asset based and don't put a lot of weight on personal credit issues.