One of the challenges that keeps many boarded up properties that way, is that the cost of work required would be prohibitive because it might be more then an investor would be willing to be invested into the property. 

Then you'll be back on this board complaining about how your "friends" screwed you.Even for a really good tenant I won't lower rent more than 10-15% below market.

Price / Rent Ratio - lower the better Avg Median Income - feeds into #2, not as important on its ownAvg Median Price - feeds into #2, not as important on its ownAvg Median Rent - feeds into #2, not as important on its ownRent % of Income - rent should be >1/3 of incomeSociodemographic Rank - should be high (used this article)Population Growth - should outpace US average (used this site)Jobs Growth - highger the better (used Forbes data: example)Law Favorability - should be landlord-friendly (used Avail: example)State Tax Favorability - should be favorable (used this article)Poverty Level - should be low (used city-data.com)Crime - should be below US average of 290 (used city-data.com)Industries Present - should be diverse (used city-data.com) Here are the markets I evaluated: Bend, ORGreenville, SCCharlotte, NCMeridian, IDMidland, TXSpartanburg, SCHuntsville, ALKent, WAWithout any further delay, here is my market analysis laid out with selection criteria and markets: As you can see, the Top 2 Markets are: Meridian, IDCharlotte, NCand they are mostly green across the board, hitting all selection criteria, at a reasonable purchase price for my first investment at a young age.Now that I've completed a brief analysis, I'm looking to dive into deal finding and developing my Core 4.What are your thoughts on my preliminary market analysis?

A big key is to continue learning as much as you can. 

If I have the high bid I break in at closing ( never have seen keys at closing ) and see if  I really won or lost.

The key though is making sure you are looking ahead with your numbers, otherwise you will get stuck. 

If so, I'm curious if you are pleased with the services they have provided as your property managers, and if you are "surviving" with the low returns that their turn-key solution offers. 

I prefer the beginning of the month because there's an entire month to notify tenants and transfer files, keys, etc.I agree with giving it to them certified mail, sending an email, and maybe even a phone call.

Sorry for the caps, it's just clear when I don't write in caps, key information is missed.   

The key is moving fast when they deals show up as they don't come along every day.