From what I have observed, the area seems promising as for rentals and it looks like it will cash flow around $100 a month with conservative numbers.

Spend the time to learn by reading and observing and then once you have enough money saved for your first property, pull the trigger and spend it on the property, not on reassurances or feel good programs from some guru.  

From my observations, building credit is easiest and safest with predictable and regular expenditures (like gas and groceries).

Notice to cease documenting observations and inability to perform work.

I’m sure that was an experience in itself, and while it surely won’t make up for the sting of $ flowing the wrong way, I’m sure there will be lessons learned here that can’t be learned without doing.A couple observations: $100 in pro forma cash flow is more than adequate  on a 70k house.  

I had a property that I finally sold, which had "challenging" neighbors that I wish I had been more observant of prior to purchasing the subject property.

That doesn't make you a good guy or a bad guy, it's just an observation.

Great observation, as I had this same problem today in the Local Forums

Hopefully these observations have been at least a little helpful.If anyone has any tips to add to this thread or any questions let's talk!!

Just An observation