I used to live in Downtown "loft country" in the 90's.

You shouldn't expect a property thats nearly completely leveraged to cash flow unless its in the heart of the worst ghettos in the country.

There may be markets around the country where you can get into something for that - but a lower risk and longer term thing that would make more sense for most people getting started is not a heavy work project type house, it's the house hack or simply buying a good long term asset and searching vigorously for ways to get good experience along the way.Perhaps the experience you are getting in your career may help? 

I am just thinking, even if renters have their reasons for not wanting to buy, if all numbers are correct, wouldn't investors from around the country jump on these properties, thus pushing the prices up and yield down?

We seem to be slowly growing and had maybe 20-25 people at last months event.If our paths don't cross, but sure to update on how your deal(s) go.

I then found out their course price to learn their investment tactics & finding property deals,  was jacked up compared to other countries at $1250.  

In 32221 We have GE OIL and Gas, Saft International , a Solar Company, Wayfair is building, Bridgestone tires, A college, FSCJ Cecil Campus, The Equesteian Center is also a concert entertainment venue, Cecil Commerce, all fairly recent and more is coming to 32221, Amazon is in 32210 just over the border of 32221 and the 32210 housing is older and saturated all the new construction is coming to 32221.We will rezone to commercial or sell to a company that will do it , 528 ft frontage on SR 228 & 330 ft on Nathan Hale rd. land in path of progress  Up zoning.. mining for hidden lots.. all make very good money for those willing to put the effort in. 

This has many upsides especially considering that I'm not limiting myself to deals solely found in my own country.

I would pick a general area of the country to focus on first and start to narrow it as you do your research.

We use TVS (available in both countries) and RentCheck (in Canada only, I believe) as our credit agencies.