This brings the total price of this townhouse to about $200K, so if you think I was nervous about the $181 price tag, you can bet that I'm groaning to myself at the $200K price tag.So why am I still wanting to move forward?

This book is called Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.

Since filing the claim the process has become drawn out, with several delayed court dates and poor communication from my lawyer to me, despite my best efforts. 

So after about 2 weeks of BP, a thought enters my head, instead of just complaining about poorly kept and vacant buildings that are preventing a street or block from being its best, why not put my money (or other people's money) where my mouth is?

good point in the other direction @ewa just always felt like the deals would be too far and few in between. maybe looking for poor management can be my way in to the LA market off MLS ?

Postlets.com and CL are your best bet! 

@Josh Caldwell - without looking at the data, I bet that rents in Ames, Iowa were really low and that 22% increase is something like median rents going from $400 => $500.

I recently read Rich Dad Poor Dad as well as Rich Dad's Cashflow Quadrant.

Several vacant units in the neighborhood.Night: fairly quiet overallAnother issue was that I was able to visit 1 of the 3 unit, it was poor maintained by the tenant. excessive trash & foul smellI am thinking about speaking with a local property manager for their opinion, I would love to hear everyone's thought here.

lots of landlords in my area are changing the locks and keeping her money it sounds like your best bet is to give her  the money back and send her on her way good luck @Milan Sanghvi