Interestingly, some neighborhoods out there made mass-conversions to investment/rentals during the downturn because their value went down so much.

Or don't get caught in a discrimination lawsuit, in Mass they're usually settled out of court, quickly for $10k.So I'd use the qualification standards that @Brie Schmidt and @Keith Ellis suggested.and I can give you 5 minutes off-line with some insight from MCAD 781 four zero five 1845

in the Hartford - Springfield area of Western Mass / Northern CT. 

Hi All,I'm Shavon Prophet, I live in the Five College Area of the Pioneer Valley, Western Mass and am an Energy Efficiency and Renewable Systems Consultant.

As many have stated, Mass is not a landlord friendly state so make sure you take the proper steps to mitigate any potential tenant issues (i.e. proper screening, have a good attorney, etc.).

Of my two states, I do expect CT to have severe issues - that state is broke and will become even more taxed as a result and there has been mass exodus out of the state for years already.

So far my comfort zone is MLS properties, financed by local banks, and just far enough out of reach of the masses that I am competing with other high dollar investors that it makes the market a bit more competitive for me. 

I made $8,000 in assignments off that first mailer and used the money to start blasting out batches of mass direct mail.

My question is if a distressed property has hit the masses on Zillow or Trulia, is it not a deal?

2nd question I am looking for a hard money lender, can anyone refer me to a good one, i am in Mass and found a few but they dont lend in Mass.