@Raul Barnes  Read Rich Dad Poor Dad,  I have a degree from an Ivy U.

Besides, I'd bet that you could hold off and make do, until you could get your own building built, Apple doesn't lease, neither does Verizon!

I was reading "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" on a flight to work and everything he said was ringing true to my situation.

There seem to be couple of good deals in Baltimore but my concern is that the schools nearby are rated poorly by Zillow and that ultimately affects my future tenants. 

McMenamin's Edgefield was an old poor farm that is now a destination hotel and a huge draw for weddings.

The house is not at all live-able, between the mold and just the overall poor conditions of the interior and the roof needs to be replaced, so I think right now we are moving towards not buying it, rather than buy it and sit on it.

(bad tenants being caused by poor screening)

You don't want to be rushed into accepting a poor tenant.  

In any case, if you are looking at lower end properties, I think Indianapolis and Kansas City are you best bets.

If I read that as the seller, I'm going to counter higher and betting on your sentiment, I will get the price I'm after.Your state should have a basic residential purchase contract available online.