I think this is smart to do, but you are making move for quality of life as well so make sure the town is a place you will enjoy (along with the new job) living.I've seen people use metrics to move out-of-state without really getting a feel for how much their lifestyle suits the new market.

Are you a mom and pop landlord whose most likely risk is a premises liability claim likely covered by insurance or a small claims suit for return of a security deposit?

Purchase price: $605,000 Cash invested: $242,000 Sale price: $1,012,000 We converted the garage into the kitchen and took the roof off the garage and added a master suite.

I plan to purchase either a distressed MFH, or a distressed SFH with an ADU, a potential ADU conversion (shed, garage, separate suite, etc.), or the potential for sqft to be efficiently added during the rehab (screened porch, carport, concrete patio area, etc.).

It seems pointless to try to sue someone in Japan which is where the owner lives.Get the city to bring a public nuisance suit, and have it ask the court for power to abate the nuisance, which can be as little as board up and as much as demolition of the house. 

So, whenever hiring tradespeople its good to have someone who knows enough to evaluate the technical issues and craft a scope of work that suits you not just what the tradesperson might recommend.

I will continue to look at Springfield and am also exploring Longmeadow and East Longmeadow as I hear that location may be better suited for mid-term rental or rent-by-the-room (CoLiving) arrangements.

Seems like a good appreciation market, but maybe more suited to LTR or MTR. 

Ultimately, it depends on what suits your situation and goals best. 

The site and TownPlace Suites by Marriott flag have already been secured.