@Ryan Fitzgerald I can't speak too much on areas east of the heart of Raleigh as we simply weren't interested in properties there.

Hi Victoria,I am architect; in my oppinion the hardwood is more confurtable for living, more warm on cold weather.

Thanks for the warm welcome @Dmitriy Fomichenko !

chris,when i first started out buying property, I went with my heart and bought places that I would live in.

Never buy next to a board up..Drugs and bad behavior most likely going on in there..In the winter the bums break in, light fire's to keep warm ( maybe not in florida ) and if it gets out of control-- Bye Bye to your house.If it stays boarded for a while, and for some reason you need bank financing- some banks will not lend to homes next to a board up..

Being a landlord is not as passive of an investment as it is made out to be, and I believe that is often overlooked.Boots on the ground that you know has your best interest at heart is key, and probably the most difficult to find.  

Hi Benjamin,I would change the focus of the area and focus more in the people that you will be working with.The stats and demographics of a location can be swindled to look good or bad.Make sure you establish relationships with people that will have your best interest at heart and that offer a great after service no matter what they are selling.Thanks and have a great day.

Thank you for the warm welcome.

You'll be greeted warmly and will probably get some good newbie advice, too!

I'm down in SW Washington closer to Portland, but my heart is in Seattle.