Which scenario makes more sense, with $75K cash available:1) put $25K down on three separate SFR (in the mid-west) all priced at approx $100K each, that generate net cash flow of about $300 each = $900 total cash flow per month, or, 2) put the $75K down on one, nice $300K home, in a rapidly expanding market (LV, for example), in order to take advantage of the projected growth in the housing market over the next decade, even though there would be minimal, if any, cash flow while renting it out in the meantime. 

Hows it going BP,While driving through an area of town where I would like to invest (Diving for $$) I came across a ton of properties in really REALLY nice neighborhoods that seemed to be abandon.

Generally the T3 is the best indicator of trend and your lender will put most weight on those numbers.

Even if you fix it up nicely being it in a high crime area you will have nothing but problems. 

It’s in a nice area and the homes around it are b-c condition.

Does it have high turnover, constant late payments, nice and stable?

A non renewal, would mean you intend for them to vacate and sets the wrong tone.

If you're feeling really nice you can buy it for them.

I place more weight on the desire for cash flow, but as I believe its more of a spectrum than an either/or, I'm trying to identify markets where there is at least a greater likelihood for appreciation as well. 

@Seth Holmen nice idea!