Through questions and conversation, I find out he has FOUR SFRs within 3 blocks of a university (16000 enrollment) and after years of being a landlord, he wants out! 

I know there are other more creative solutions, but I'm having a mental block and want to get things moving. 

I am considering developing a web-based mapping platform that will allow single family home investors -- and especially their service providers/advisors -- to quickly determine suitable locations in the US to focus their investment efforts (down to the block group or subdivision). 

It really didn't seem so complicated when I started, just me and a big house that needs rehab, on the auction block.  

If not house hacking, get the worstish house on a nice block and don't be afraid if it needs some updating. 

Augusta University is growing and we have tried to stay close to the school with our purchases, but this also places us close to the downtown growing cyber area.We have a few rentals in the area and know the blocks around "the hill" very well.

My advice is to stop paying for adult kids, because it just keeps them dependent and you will never retire. you can BNB the condo and make cash flow on that. if you can BNB your NY home too, then that's not a bad idea. just block the time you are there and then monetize it while you are away. 

Most of the houses on the blocked were not vacant.

Why would he sell his 200K worth house for 70K, doesn't make sense.Like @Jaysen Medhurst said , If it worth 120k, you will get %75-%80 of it back, so it will bring you back to 90ish, you will pocket 20K, so still okay deal.Although there are banks that does't require seasoning, you might have to wait a little.If you are not comfortable about writing the address, you can provide the block or area, I or another Baltimore BP person would tell you the market value.

You also need to understand the areas your looking in as one house that sells for $300k in one area of the street might not sell for that one or two blocks down the street or even the next street over.