I understand there is crime there, just like many low-cost areas, but I reached out to a rehabber about taking some photos of properties for us and he told me to look in other areas because of the high crime rate and that "it just keeps getting worse." 

Unfortunately the high interest rates makes finding a cash-flowing deal quite difficult.

It may or may not be the best time to purchase due to rates and high prices.

Client ended up getting $1500 for the master bedroom and $1000 for the others.

My goal is to close five more deals by the end of the year.

Areas I think would do well are those where people are moving back to or highly desired - Arcadia, Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, parts of PHX, and Chandler / Mesa. 

These properties are older and generally on the low $ end so there is not much room based on ARVs to replace entire system but wondering if leaving it in would scare away buyers.

You got the short end of the stick, but sounds like your PM company is taking the right steps.

You might not start in it right away, as you may need capital and experience, but you will at least have a better vision for your end game.

I can't yet afford to buy anything for myself in the city, let alone a multi-family, so I ended up buying my very first property out of state.My high-rise building is located in an "A" neighborhood and was recently sold to a new owner.