I found through a referral a great supplier that can provide new, and not scratch and dent, for about what I would pay for used.

If your goal is to offset your mortgage with a house hack then Lowell would be a good bet, but if you're looking for a longer term appreciation play then the areas closer to the city would be better, although the offset from cashflow may be lower than what you're looking for.A good step for you would be to dig into specific areas more as @Lien Vuong noted above.

To me it’s a challenging game, an intricate puzzle where if you learn how to play you get great results.

:)The only beef I have with your post is that you are already assuming their is going to be beef between tenants and you are going to have to play peace maker.

Quote from @John Williams: Quote from @Daniel McDonald: @John Williams like Bruce mentioned area is going to play a huge part. 

*However*, if you nickel and dime every nick and scratch, then you should be a lot more detailed in and out.

I'm scratching my head because I feel like the program, least locally here in San Antonio, TX, tells all the landlords to put our listings there, but the tenants don't look there.

@Derek BuehnerThe timing of your improvements plays a big role in determining their tax deductibility.

The fed's cut will be too late and they will be playing catch up, as defaults and Job Layoffs continue to mount. 

You know, I’ve had a few moments where I’ve scratched my head wondering if I was getting too cozy with my home equity, but pulling out those funds for a strategic investemnt has, more often than not, led me to some pretty sweet opportunities.