I am looking to buy a rental before the end of the year and am trying to decide if I should go after a single family home for around 100K (115- 95) (known as property "A" or get a single family home that has two units on it home with a carriage house around 200k (190 - 215( known as property "B").The "A" home would get around 1000 a month in rent and the "B" would get about 1800 together in rent.The "A" home is in a little worse area but is growing in popularity.

@Brigitte KayWainscoting is pretty popular these.

The cheap stuff still is and has been for a while too popular with too many people who want think they're on HGTV and overpay....Or OOS tossing money at spreadsheets...

And a couple bought from a popular turnkey company on BP that has good reviews. 

Quickbooks Online is pretty popular, but a free option is Wave Apps. 

I reckon different stores have different items but the more popular things are likely mostly sold (like garden and power tools).I figured I'd post here to let you DIY folks know about the sale as it was really fun (for me, anyways) and if you've got a Orchard Supply Hardware in your city it could be worth checking out.  

Is this an area where rentals are popular?

Land Title and Summit LDS are popular choices.

As others have said, Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Detroit are gaining alot of popularity.

Contrary to popular belief, short sales do not usually sell at huge discounts.