You just have to be patient and persistent. 

I know finding the right neighborhoods to invest in is important so I'd love to hear thoughts/strategies on other ways to analyze a local neighborhood's level of safety, comfort, community, transportation, etc.  

You are obligated under certain circumstances to have the local Board of Health inspect and verify that the apartment meets State Sanitary Code and safety standards prior to renting it.

To pay off your primary house as a safety net and just play with anything else you got.In this case, by paying off some,  I will still have that extra equity which can be used later. 

Be patient and attend local meetups as well as find local investors who you can talk with.  

I have grown to become more patient with the process and understanding that anything can throw out a deal, even with a signed purchase agreement in hand, or even after due diligence. 

They primarily inspect for safety and basic functionality. 

I’m hungry but I know patients is key!!

Learned to be patient and trust the process sometimes!

I paid for an inspection on my Mom's house which I am in charge of selling as part of her estate and fixed all the safety/deficient issues the inspector noted.