Wolf Laurel is just a half hour north of Asheville so it's very well located to have a deep in the mountains feel but be close to the city attractions of Asheville.

I know that areas near Park Ave, and University of Rochester have strong rental demand, but I was hoping to speak with anyone who has other areas that are relatively safe for the city and can attract good tenants for cash flow positive rent. 

You would get firsthand experience in working on a property and hopefully increasing the properties value.  

You want to check out this podcast: Bill Powers uses the lease option strategy for his investing.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2016/07/28/bp-podcast-185-rent-to-own-increase-cash-flow-maximize-equity-bill-powers/

Atlanta is long-done in my opinion (lots of saturation and better returns elsewhere), the TX cities either don't have cash flow or it's minimal and little inventory left and the appreciation boom already happened, Cleveland and some of those I don't consider strong growth markets so that increases risk, etc.

Things are just easier when I can invest with some type of capital.While I'm doing so, it seems I've gotten a bit ahead of myself with the advertising (haha) and now calls from my website are starting to come in increasingly regularly.

Also, how can I make my offers stronger and attractive?

We are looking to expand and increase our lifestyle.

If you understand what the appraisers will be looking for you can significantly increase values by documenting the repairs made by your contractors.

I say “Yep”.When the bank came back with the increase in EMD from $500 to $2500, I asked my agent if that was because they wanted to increase the likelihood that I would not walk.She said that she believed that was the case.So, I believe at this point, ensuring I close is more important than the sales price.Plus I already stated that $17,500 was best and final.So, I countered back at $17,500 with $2500 EMD.It was accepted.My lender couldn’t believe it.After closing, the bank and I discussed financing options.Since it ended up being all my cash for the purchase, we decided on a construction to permanent loan.We got an appraisal value for its as-is condition and it’s ARV.When analyzing the property, I tried to be conservative and used a $120,000 ARV.As-is condition came back at $60,000, and ARV came back at $145,000.Comps were had to come by, as this is a small, rural town and there hadn’t been many homes sold recently.The bank would ultimately lend me up to 75% of the ARV, or $101,000 in 4 draws.The loan would be interest only during the renovation, and convert to a mortgage when completed.The loan is 10 year fixed at 6.25% with a 25 year amortization.Projected costs: Electrical work--$5,300Renovations--$64,000Zoning Hearing for approval for conversion--$1,500Insurance, permits, property taxes, and other holding costs--$2000Total Budget--$73,800Renovation took just under 3 months, with virtually no surprises.The electrician came in at budget, and the renovations had $4,000 in overages.With the purchase price, loan costs, and renovations, I am right at $101,000.I also believe that if I chose to get a new appraisal, it would come in much higher, as since the first one, a few houses in the area have sold and would support a higher value.So here’s a quick run-down on the numbers:All-in price:$101,000Value:$145,000Income:$850/month x 2=$1700Monthly Expenses: Maintenance 10%:$170Capex 10%:$170Vacancy 5%:85Electric:$20Trash:$55Insurance:$100Property Taxes:$185.33Mortgage:$666.27Total:$1451.60Monthly Cashflow--$248.40Money in the deal—ZERO DOLLARSYes, I know that I did not account for property management in my numbers.The reason is that there is industry moving into the area, and higher paying jobs as well.I believe that rents will increase and support property management down the road, if I choose.If that doesn’t happen, well then I’m stuck managing forever or selling it at some point, but it is a risk I am willing to take at this point.Is this deal a home run?