Their projections were way off and they are no left holding the bag.

I also don't want to be left holding the bag, at the end of the day, if there is an issue or incident.

you may want to consider investing then with some of the known top shelf syndicators if you want cash flow real estate. trying to buy low to mid range rentals probably not your bag.. it will be what it is.. inconsistent and for someone like you that is pretty detailed probably not an appropriate investment vehicle there is no real upside.

You're right, it can be a crapshoot in terms of gaining valuable information, but it's just another tool in a note investor's bag. 

I'm seeking to buy Multi families that we can preposition and have added value opportunities.Both areas have mixed bag of school rating, while 32211 have much less crime. 

We shouldn't lump them all into the same f'ed up bag.

I will hunt that mortgage down and bag it!

(Plus....if you're dealing with one of those contractors and he says he needs 50 sheets of drywall, 20 sheets of Hardie backer, 40 boxes of mud, 20 bags of floor leveler, and 30 bags of thinset, then once you've paid for those items, how do you really know how much of that got used on your job and how much went into his truck for a weekend gig?)

If you are trying to run it like an AirBNB, then you will probably be left holding the bag on running it.

If so, reverse course and find an actual punching bag or run a few miles and work off the feelings you have.