I'm guessing after logging died down they had a steep decline but seems to be on the upswing now... low cost of living and good recession-proof jobs due to the Air Force, Sky Lakes Medical Center and Oregon Tech...

Is it gaining or losing population.Hi Michael,Thanks for your comment.I see Toledo as quite a diverse city when it comes to employment.From white collar medical to blue collar steal, glass and manufacturing.I'm sure that you can look things up online further and find out all of the stats/demographics about the employment and population, etc...In my opinion it's very easy for someone like myself to paint a pretty picture about the Toledo market and to "smudge" your eyes with booming figures.Something that I don't practice because every market has it's pro's and con's.I will say this though just like I've mentioned to many other investors over the years.Focus on finding the right people first before focusing on the stats/demographics of a particular market.When you work with experienced investors (As in you have "boots on the ground"), they are going to be the ones that will know the micro economics of specific cities or even regions.So, the broad market stats that you can find online will differ to what people on the ground know to be true.Just my 0.02 Aussie cents lolThanks again mate and I wish you much success

Here's a casein FL - Seller in foreclosure has 120k principal @4%, Shes 10k in arrears, house is worth about 250k, good condition.She wants to stay at the house, but doesn't mind selling it if needed.She will likely not qualify for a loan mod at the moment, good amount of equity.She works in the medical field, just took sick and fell behind.I was thinking of offering to pay her 10K in arrears and creating a 2nd mortgage @ 10% interest.if she defaults, i can foreclose,  as there is a bunch of equity there.any thoughts of a better scenario that i can make more of this situtation?

I think for you to invest in real estate it will be better to finish up the fellowship first b/c I know how grueling medical training is and I do not think you will want to spend your " golden weekends" getting on a plane to go look at properties. 

Is it zoned for things such as a filling station, or a strip Mall, or medical dental, or a church.

Lots of opportunity because of new jobs and medical district. 

Travel nurses hold a special place in my heart because my husband was hospitalized for a long time and we met so many special travel nurses and other medical professionals ; )  That said, the niche of medium term rentals is growing every day.

I was medically retired last year in September and moved here for my job in the post office.

Well-suited to professional/medical offices, small restaurants, small retail.

Would be interested in the real estate side of things of course but I know there are other requirements connected with the medical side of it.