I mean, every city's chamber of commerce site makes it sound like it's "experiencing a renaissance, an amazing rebirth, has a burgeoning start-up scene of high-growth tech companies", etc etcMy biggest fear is that I'll choose some small city in the Midwest and a year after I buy a property, the local plant will close and now no one can pay their rent :-/

@Michael MontaltoCall the chamber of commerce president ask them who they like in the local banks ask for a referral.

Just talk to a local and experienced real estate Agent wand The Chamber of Commerce to get their advice on the best place to be and their best guess about the future.  

He happens to be the city attorney.8x 2BR, one building, built in 1971.  8x single car garage detachedrents at $650 ea, (in line, according to chamber of commerce)Annual income $66000, includes extra fees for pets and cleaning fees, some laundry.Expenses $42,639Net Cash Flow $23,361Purchase at $295,000Down payment $73,750, Closing costs $4,000Repair costs of $18,250, with another $5k needed in few years.Using the BP rental analysis tool, I have accounted for monthly vacancy 5% ($275), Repairs and Capex $165, Misc $150, Management $432, Insurance $100, utils $614, taxes $404, P&I $1414.   

Contact your local Chamber of Commerce they can assist you with a lot of information, they will even have members looking for office space if you have vacancies.

Talk to the Chamber of Commmerce and see what they have to say.  

And he's mentioned carrying to me.I got that info from Tucson Chamber of commerce.Regarding the 13 units please share the location and what is your friend  seeking for price? 

I'm just going to yell down the echo chamber.... the rehab cost is very light.

I took time while I was doing my online work to research local chambers to join, talking with people around church and community organizations and letting them know that I was getting in to real estate.

@Melba Chambers yes they wanted a 3k up front charge that they give back on the sell of the home.