The one thing to keep in mind when looking is your price point and the quality of the realtor.

I don't do this "for a living" (I'm a Director of Technical Quality Assurance, for the record) and I don't know what I am within my rights to ask or demand of these guys.Reading the internet is a scary thing...

This deal sounds too tight...would need to drive down purchase price in order for it to work.Pittsfield is a great market for undervalued, high quality buildings.

The standard mileage rate is subject to certain rules and you must choose to use it on the first year you have the car then on later years, you can choose between the 2 methods whichever will give you the most deduction. 

Depending on your finishes and quality of work.

However, I do have several family members who live on the West side and constantly complain about crime, the quality of the school districts, and other negative factors of their neighborhoods.

To what level/quality!

There just as hit or miss as any other method.

Discipline is key if your using this method. 

Personally, I see BRRRR as the best method of investing in REI (I'm sure this can be heavily argued).