So does the benefit of making let's just say an extra 30k a year living outweigh the less attractive commercial rates?

So two things.. 1) when working out loans try to set interestrate rate where it will be attractive investor in case you'd like to sell down the road. 2) Build a good team, make great contacts

If you know of something that will create more jobs in one or more desert areas, that would increase the attractiveness.

HI state income tax is as high as 11%, PA high is 3.07%.HI weather can't be beat, and the beaches are great, but I can be on the ocean in 3 hours.I am not sure that beach location is as attractive as Honolulu.

They also are attractive to investors because they have a much lower price.The only danger is buying something "too nice" because rural areas typically don't have the job base that cities do and it may not produce a decent return.

I have a hard time visualizing the target market for a property this big. in Laurel, MD, I have found that large properties with some privacy from the road, tend to attract a certain class that will lease out rooms (and even closets!)

The answer is... only invest in good properties in solid locations so you can attract responsible tenants who will take good care of your property.  

I'm assuming he is charging a lease up fee as well when you have a unit that turns over otherwise I don't see your PM having much initiative to properly market and attract a strong tenant.

Real estate as a "Massive Wealth" magnet is attractive because most people can wrap their heads around a house, apartment, land, renting, and flipping.

Keep it in your wallet or somewhere you'll always have it nearby.