It's probably because I'm new, but I thought staying away from places with only one industry, high crime, and low income was the rule of thumb.What am I missing? 

@Shane PearlmanFirst, they are miss using the "Highest and best use" term here.

@Jeremy HartwigYou are missing a lot of important data, such as median income of the area, rent comps in the area, what current values are.You are buying on actuals, but in many markets that have low supply and have a lot of demand, it makes it difficult buy based on actuals.

I am working on improving my credit score and making sure to never miss a payment so automatic payments are turned on.

let me know if i am missing something here. 

If you're not speaking to His need, you'll miss the mark every time.

There could be other conditions of course, but that would be something easy and not expensive.Either way, that extra week is some nice revenue and I wouldn't want to miss out on that. i would accommodate them for sure.

You are looking for issues with the foundation and any other exterior anomalies like giant trees that could be in the sewer line or pressing against the foundation of the house, evidence of buried tanks, where the septic and leach field is, etc.There are plenty more things to focus on as well, but these four are often neglected by newer out-of-state investors relying on an agent or friend as their boots.What else did I miss?

I’m sure I am missing a few more  

Many banks handling tax escrow accounts for mortgages have mistakenly thought there was one tax due twice/year or totally missed one of the taxes.Investors should research the SEV and the Non-Homestead property tax millage rates to project what the property taxes will be after adjustment.