This is what Chinese investors do buying homes in London, Singapore, NY etc.So there is no right answer. 

Stop in Singapore for a few days if you can.  

There are many variables to consider in this evaluation process and in addition to the things that you listed to look for (crime rate, neighbourhood appearance) here are a few more variables I would consider when assessing the an area:- Proximity to amenities (grocery stores, fitness centres)- Distance to public transit (ie. terminals and bus stops) and other transportation improvements  - Whether the neighbourhood as a whole is in transition to increase or decrease in quality - Building of new infrastructure - Moving in of a major employer One other tidbit of advice I heard recently which I thought was great is to follow the big box stores (ie. walmart).

My partner and I are foreigners, living in Singapore, but we've acquired 11 rental properties in the US. 

I just want to rectify this going forward.I've tried calling the bank to sort this out, but all I get from the lovely Mumbai call centre is "you're not authorized on this account", no one will do anything to help. 

its like Japan and other countries   Singapore etc they import their labor no way they have it organically.If we did not have Hispanic labor on the west coast we would be dead in the water  full stop.

All those people don't pick up and leave as quick as they came when the economy cools down.Smaller centres like Grand Prairie that are highly Oil & Gas driven are far more volatile and cash flow and vacancy can vary greatly based on the economy.

I think it would be very much like an RV leasing centre where the only difference is the units on my lots are likely to be stationary. 

Happy to meet for a coffee at Tatte in Newton Centre (or wherever). 

Excellent profit centre of done correctly.