It was hard work, but nothing is more satisfying than turning an eyesore into an eye-catcher.

The question is a little too vague so its hard to give a thought out answer - "desirable" is in the eye of the beholder.

I am an agent/investor, but when I am actively seeking investment property for one of my clients, I am working for them and will not do anything to interfere with their search.I have a lot of investors that are not "actively" looking for a property but they ask me to keep my eyes open in case I come across anything interesting.

With tears in his eyes and voice cracking " Son you would of got that anyway!

He pays very little but does the garbage, snow, and keeps an eye on the place for me.

I feel like there's no wiggle room for the local guy trying to catch a deal.

There are obviously several financial districts now, but none of these cities will ever surpass NY....despite the high cost of doing business there. the Major difference as it relates to real estate and real estate values.. is the SF penninsula for all intent and purpose is BUILT out .. there is NO Land.. in Texas there is land as far as the eye can see in every direction.. with a totally pro growth government.. so they can turn those cities into the Next LA  each and everyone of them.. ( cities.) 

Either way, you flip it, you won't bat an eye at this investment years down the line when you have a sizeable portfolio. 

Here is the catch: 12k owed in utilities/taxes AND the owner (executor) wants 5k on the side for giving me the the deal because this is an estate sale (reverse mortgage). 

If you put 20% down on a top market property you will build equity much much slower and it probably won’t qualify to do a cash out refi for at least a year.Could you talk to your current landlord or work something out with the person/place your crashing with/at to explain the situation because I think if you can make the time work, the rehab is the way to go in my eye.