Welcome Nan,Interesting to see someone from outside of the Pacific Northwest investing here.

I've done a lot of research and been under contract once, but I haven't really had anything pan out yet.With that said, I think you're missing the point of my comment.

From the frying pan to the freezer and we can't wait!

Without knowing more about plumbing and electrical, I wouldn't do anything about it, unless you've got a Federal Pacific Electrical box or something dangerous.

If I were you, I would look in depth into the numbers and being a landlord, as a long time landlord, I would tell you that paying 100k per 2 bed apartment needing work (even in Hamden) is rather pricey, and id be willing to bet that the listing agent knows that also. if the place were ready to go/updated, different story....bet your potential tenants will know that also. keep in mind, being a landlord means you will have to do at least the following:1. lead certs (an annoying expensive hassle every time a tenant changes over) or you could go lead free, prepare for that expense.2. rent court/evictions (might happen)...rent the movie pacific heights3. repairs/maintenance....particularly in an older building already needing some work.4. water bills....Baltimore city government's version of rape....prepare to pay every bit of 500 a quarter in a place like that, more if you have boilersAnd most of all YOU WILL BE LIVING AMONGST YOUR TENANTS. think of all the potential hassles that may present for you. baring the warnings, the house is in a good location, will rent easily if its clean and functional, and will appreciate to some extent over time. rent probably wont be a very big deal to get from people renting in this area, particularly at those rental prices. very important to know the functional condition of this property, particularly its functional systems (plumbing, electric, hvac, roof) and know exactly what being a landlord means. you will be doing work to earn that rent every month.

Within 6 months I was on a plane to Guam, way out in the Western Pacific.  

Sounds like a good business idea on my end of things if I was in that area of the country.I was thinking the exact same thing.. it was not the gold miners who got rich in the Gold Rush's it was the people selling the pots and pans and other tac .. 

I met a guy selling his rental off market and he was proud of the fact that he made a tenant use pots and pans when the roof had a leak, vs fixing it up.

You’ll probably also have to buy some furniture, linens, pots and pans, decor, etc.

We'll see how that pans out.