As I browsed around looking into these markets the prices are appealing, but it jumps out quickly that they have high crime rates.

Your BP profile photo doesn't show a real person.

@Lily Rodriguez your profile says you're a real estate broker, if that's the case I'm shocked that you post on Zillow and not on the MLS for 2 reasons, one according to the association  rules you're required to list all your properties on the MLS (assuming you joined a association) second Zillow is not our friend, Zillow competes with us and tries to push clients to their Premier agents costing the listing agent half a month rent.Quote from @Lily Rodriguez: Marcus,If you want more exposure you can list it on the MLS, and you will have to pay a fee to the agent that brings you the tenant then you will have to do a credit check and background check yourself for each applicant however for my clients I prefer to list it on Zillow rentals only, because I can manage the applications directly from there and the prospective tenant only pays $35 application fee once and can apply for different properties with the same application fee.

You can trade yourself, you can hire a financial advisor, but either way if you want to keep your money, you should be watching what your investments are doing, otherwise how would you know if you should be reducing your position in certain stocks, or if your advisor isn't giving you terrible advice.Here's differences between stock index , GP syndication and and VC investments  in term of risk profile in general:Stock index, the risk is shared with people all over the world, including people that's smarter than us (hedge fund manager for example).

The kids on your Facebook profile need you to stay rational and provide for them.

Good Morning ,So I'm currently browsing through some Foreclosed / REO properties in my area , of which some of these properties are in good areas and within my budget/What I can afford ( DTI wise ) My question is .....

Depending on the lender for a DSCR rental property loan, rates will be about 0.125% to .25% lower if you put 25% versus 20% down on an investment property purchase if it's the same borrower credit score and profile being analyzed. 

Ask about the maintenance history.Units: Visit as many individual units as possible to assess their condition and note any necessary repairs or updates.Structural Issues: Be vigilant about signs of water damage, mold, or pests, which could indicate larger problems.Safety Compliance: Verify that the property meets all local safety and building codes, including fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits.Financial and Operational AspectsRent Roll: Request a detailed rent roll to understand current rents, lease terms, and tenant occupancy.Expenses: Get a breakdown of all operating expenses, including utilities, maintenance, insurance, property management fees, and taxes.Income Verification: Ask for historical income statements (preferably 12 months or more) to verify the revenue.Vacancy Rates: Inquire about the historical and current vacancy rates and how they compare to the market average.Tenant Profile: Understand the tenant mix, including residential versus commercial tenants, lease lengths, and tenant turnover rates.Property Management: Find out if the property is currently managed by a professional management company and if you will retain or replace them.Legal and ComplianceZoning Laws: Ensure the property complies with current zoning laws and inquire about any zoning changes that may affect the property.Rent Control: Determine if the property is subject to rent control or other regulations that could impact income.Permits and Licenses: Check that all necessary permits and licenses are up to date.Value-Add PotentialRenovation Opportunities: Identify areas where you could add value through renovations or upgrades.Rent Increases: Assess the potential for increasing rents based on market rates and property improvements.Additional Income: Explore opportunities for additional income streams, such as laundry facilities, parking fees, or storage rentals.Environmental ConsiderationsEnvironmental Hazards: Check for any environmental issues like asbestos, lead paint, or underground storage tanks.Flood Zones: Verify if the property is in a flood zone and the implications for insurance and risk.Questions to Ask the SellerReason for Selling: Understand the seller’s motivation to gauge the urgency and possible negotiation points.Recent Repairs and Improvements: Ask about any recent capital expenditures and future planned repairs.Tenant Relations: Inquire about the relationship with tenants and any ongoing disputes or issues.Due DiligenceProfessional Inspection: Hire a professional inspector to conduct a thorough examination of the property.Appraisal: Obtain an independent appraisal to verify the property’s market value.Legal Review: Have a real estate attorney review all contracts, leases, and legal documents related to the property.By covering these aspects, you’ll be in a stronger position to make an informed decision about your potential investment.

I browsed for trustee sale in North Carolina but nothing coming up, except the the listings on Xome.com for online bidding

No the one year occupancy is not just ignored for the seller.No idea what Mom's income, credit and assets are so cannot tell you if she helps your profile or not.