The last option we have is to add $50K to the raise, which lowers returns, obviously, but not by a lot.

I originally was looking for the mythical 'structurally sound but killer deal because it has some broken windows and  hasn't been remodeled since the 1940s' type of place, but I've since lowered my standards to include properties with major foundation issues and the like.

@T.Yong Ling, you need to shop for a lower rate.

Some people strongly prefer to pay off their mortgage even though it doesn't make mathematical sense given that the loan rate (probably 2.75-5%) is much lower than what you should get in return on a good investment.

It will lower the loan amount and reduce the Mortgage payment.  

I've even thought about the idea of buying a lower value home and do a live-in flip.

I haven't pulled comps official comps yet, but just doing some self-assessment via Zillow with similarish homes sold in the last 6 months, this house already priced $25k lower than what those sold for (I say "similarish" because they were remodeled, had garages instead of being a duplex, etc.), which makes me think the sinkhole is NOT already fixed (this is a question I have out to my agent). 

I agree with Mike, Worcester will allow you to get the CAP rate you want at a lower price point. 

Right i'm usually figuring out 100 ways to try to keep borrowers/homeowners in their properties  and even lowering their payments at the same time.

Expenses, vacancy and taxes can be much lower that other areas.