I don't care if the value of the asset fluctuates as long as the area is poised to remain a B/C+.Single family not preferred.

Essentially, I am looking to take care of my properties early on rather than dealing with the problem later on.

So be careful.  

Thanks for the tip. 

Then when everything with my health was finally normal, my daughter graduated high school and went on to graduate college with top honors. 

If they fail or refuse, then I keep the Holding Fee and the property goes back on the market.Be careful with your language.

Just make sure to research the neighborhood carefully beforehand.

Of course that would change if there was a screaming deal where the numbers absolutely positively worked.My first house had a loan at 18% so the Int Rate alone is not a deal killer, but you gotta be careful because it will suck up your profits real fast.Can you sell the duplex and free up $150k cash?

I appreciate the tips on looking further south and assuming existing loans and will reach out in the near future.

Check out an earlier blog post for tips to strengthen your credit score.