If you buy in a suspect area you are really limiting your buyer pool to investor buyers.While the strategy with this property is to sell after the rehab is complete and 2 of the 3 units are filled with tenants, we currently hold 25 units in our local market here in CT and the highest amount of units in a given building is 6.

My only suggestion would be to make sure that you are accounting for all expenses/reserves, including but not limited to the below.

A statewide ballot measure is in the works to repeal the restriction, after legislation to do so failed last month.The notice of intent compels the city clerk’s office to prepare a ballot title and summary that could be used when petitions are circulated.

Such conversion need not comply with the requirements of the following specific provisions of this chapter:(a) Section 13-196-660 (height limits); however, in frame buildings, four or more levels of living space shall be prohibited and in buildings of ordinary construction, with or without attic living space, five or more levels shall be prohibited; (b) Section 13-196-050; however, all dwelling units must comply with the exit provisions of Chapter 13-160 except basement dwelling units may have a second exit through a room containing a heating plant; (c) Section 13-196-670 (stairwell enclosures); (d) Section 13-196-680 (corridor enclosures); (e) Section 13-196-690 (dwelling separations); (f) Section 13-196-710 (basement ceiling construction); however, if the basement contains a dwelling unit the entire basement ceiling construction is to be wood lath and plaster of half hour construction; (h) Section 13-196-720 (heating plants); however, basement apartments are to be separated from heating plants with partitions of one hour construction.

Limited to operating between 6am-7pm.It does say "Where a center is contiguous to a residentially-zoned property, a six-foot visual barrier, not less than 95 percent opaque, shall be provided along the property line, excluding any required front yards." 

Based on my limited experience attending this particular tax sale, the difference in the purchase price on the two properties would likely be pretty close to my estimate for the difference in repair cost.I am now wondering if I would rather have a property that I have to drive a long way to meet contractors occasionally, or meet contractors regularly close by. 

At this point I am planning on doing as much of the finish work that I can to limit any additional capital into the project.  

They are becoming more and more attractive for younger buyers who have limited budgets for this area.

I grew up in the Eagan/ Inver Grove Heights area but haven't lived in MN in 10+ years so my current market knowledge is limited. 

I have limited knowledge in real estate and about 15k saved to invest.