I would say if you don't know the area, you should check the eviction database for that street to see how often evictions occur, you should check crime on neighborhood scout or some other site, and you should drive by the property late at night and see whether you would feel safe getting out of the car.  

I have a handyman do a lot of my work but sometimes I don't feel like that actually fixes the real problem and anytime digging is involved people want to charge a fortune.

I feel like Cpt Obvious on this point but for some reason, people buy into his ever-expanding list of things he panders for profit. 

I'm looking to purchase a few this year around Fayetteville, Raleigh, and Charlotte so please feel free to shoot me a message 

Feel free to dm me. 

Until you build your real estate portfolio up to what you feel is enough cashflow to live off from your rentals.

Feel free to reach out anytime!  

How do you feel about that strategy?  

I feel the same frustration.

It can be tough but that is what makes this forum so helpful you have seasoned pro's to help.If you ever have specific questions feel free to reach out I enjoy helping and talking REI.