Not trying to scare you, just letting you know to be cautious who you deal with.

@Carlos Ptriawan That's the whole reason I am being very cautious at every step.

Be cautious not to go to far out of town where PM's don't want to service your investment as well as if you were closer in to the city.

As for investments, I would also be a little cautious as my understanding is that many banks will not finance them.

If you can afford to not use leverage and you rely on the cash flow for your living, then be cautious and do as little as possible to get where you want to go. 

I would be cautious about raising the rent based on the number of residents you might encounter a Fair Housing Issue.

Typical 3 bed, 2 bath houses in the suburbs (2500sqf) with double garage and a pool sell for about $105 000. rental income in this market is not that good at the moment.Our banks are in good shape and have weathered the storm well but the global credit crunch has made our banks cautious.

some of the local banks will lend there.. but will be cautious.. for instance you won't get loans in West Jackson.. but some areas of sojac maybe.. north jackson and NE jackson are still viable. along with pearl and ridgeland and madison.I like vicksburg personally ..

We still do the best job we can, but are cautious about the improvements we do make.

You would have to be extremely cautious and know the area well.