The areas are most often VERY small segments (a couple street blocks) I then buy as many cheap & charming properties as possible in that very small area, rehab them and rent them.

I don't know about you but when I go to a bank for funding and refuse to give them data on my past performance - it works like a charm.

As long as the roof and structure are solid the house should last with regular maintenance.However, old houses feature such problems as lead paint, plaster walls, lead solder in water pipes, cranky plumbing fixtures, no insulation, asbestos insulation, leaky windows, and so forth.However, I've got two houses 70+ years old and when fixed up they are very charming.

The seller is very interested in selling to me specifically (charm?)

There's so much charm in some of these homes and neighborhoods that pictures just can't show.  

Talk is cheap - look at his credentials before investing in a mentor.Be smart about what you do and who you work with - you can look at listed real estate but your best deal is going to come from dealing directly with sellers.Also remember creative financing techniques - nothing down deals - Control and Roll System - Delayed Settlements - Hybrid offers - and don't forget owner assisted financing and make sure you always ask for a principal mortgage.Have fun - make full disclosures and make sure you understand the laws related to mortgage foreclosures - fail to do this and you may have a paid vacation to the Gray Bar Motel (a nice little room with one small window and the food is free, but the space is restricted).Remember your goal should be CASH FLOW or EQUITY - forget the emotional appeal - it is all about numbers - understand them and you'll do well in Charm City.Charles Parrish

The whole South Hill is pretty solid as far as I know (although I'm less familiar with that part of town) - they have older homes and charming streets.

One could keep the external historic charm, but modernize the internal layout.It would be a shame to see it sit empty - but this time, unloved - for another decade, but I do not readily see a profitable way to save it.

It was very, VERY hard for us to leave and resettle upstate.BUT, New York also has its charms.

Several bus lines run through the neighborhood, and there are plans/talks to extend the free Charm City Circulator should run as far north as Charles Village.