A prudent investor doesn't seek quick riches through shortcuts.

I would then work to renovate the bad unit as quickly as possible.  

Quote from @Rick Ilich: Thank you very much for the quick response!

It was unfortunate, but I ended up with solid lender and was able to close quickly with them.

Rented quickly for prime in rent in slow season.

Quote from @Chris Seveney: If you can borrow private money for that period of time at 10% that is a very good rate.

When evaluating potential properties, consider three exit strategies: if you can sell quickly for a profit, hold it as a rental, or take a loss.

Just focusing on the passive income you want to achieve will leave you chasing cash flow which will have you buying properties in worse areas with harder tenancies that seem to cash flow better, but will have large cap ex.Any time someone asks a question about where to invest and it can be anywhere, they aren't ready to invest and are opening themselves up to every pitch in the world on an area.

I bought about 65 homes over that two year period.. did very well.. 

Even though interest rates are high, we have a big Mircron plant coming here as part of the CHIPS act so that could boost housing demand in the coming years.I don't know the SYR market, but I did a quick search for duplexes somewhat outside of the city, and found this: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/7300-Lakes....