I’ve already put down a $2,000 earnest deposit and paid for the inspection and appraisal.This event is unprecedented in the area, as the area is typically low in violence and considered very safe.

You got the experience, now you can choose something.

Across the board, the worse the neighborhood, the better the cash flow, the better the neighborhood, the trade off for tenants base, better schools, low crime, etc etc.

Keeping it friendly and low intensity is more likely to be successful.I recently offered to completely replace my neighbor's fence next to my rental and they said "No".

If you decide to exit real estate entirely, just make sure whatever investment path you choose aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.

Your estimate seems low, but even at that cost, it will not add that value.  

The type of the neighborhoods where his properties were located didn't fit in with my plan but he did well and the purchase costs were low.

Rents have been pretty close to what the housing authorities advertise, sometimes even a bit higher.Fort Wayne’s a solid spot with low taxes and good cash flow—definitely worth looking into.

I've seen some as low as 6k and as much as 14k annually.

The area has certain advantages like shelter from regulation risk (pretty much as low as anywhere in the country if you buy in the approved STR tourist zones) and long term security (people aren't going to stop going to Orlando anytime soon).