This is all for the purpose of consuming myself with people in the business and knowledge that I'll need as an investor.This is where my question comes in.  I

Please know that I wasn't looking for an investment property but for a home to live in. I

Worked my way through college working for a friends dad dong construction/remodeling/maintenance on his rentals and now I'm looking for a way to diversify and get some passive income coming in. I

But it has been suggested that given I received them in the divorce, if I consider that if I sold them and had to try and find other properties to invest in, I am already in these properties without having to incur transaction costs or qualifying.

Ironically you will also be eliminating the highest priced areas to live in the city as well.For what you have described as your strategy, you should be looking in the following school districts:North Kansas City (totally different from Kansas City)Park HillLibertyLee's SummitBlue SpringsThere are others, but these will provide you plenty of great areas to invest in.  I

Another thing to factor in is the changing financial markets throughout the world.

The worst scenario you'd want to be in is having to pay out of pocket or take profit from another property to overcompensate for losses on a commercial complex.

What I have to throw in is that if you are lowballing then it is definitely a numbers game and one that you have to expect a lot of NO's in. 

The dilemma you find yourself in is frustrating no doubt. 

Thank you for the warm welcome,Karen, I think it will be interesting discussion on the city and area.The area I am interested in is New York state - Buffalo - Niagara Falls and anything in proximity which can be a good deal.