but better restaurants on the East side compared to say Beaverton that I know well .. 

It is also likely that they have fallen behind on updates and some maintenance so it can be a real hassle for them to spruce things up to sell the traditional way.You can combine owner occupied and Absentee owners in a Low Financial Stability Score (FSS) list.

Another thing to consider is the quality of comparable properties is.

Those are the best ones to truly compare your market rate.Like others said, you must honor a lease so you can't change or end it before then.

I push comparables when I list a home to make my sellers more money but I know I have to sell it to the appraiser too.

Multiple mtg inquiries count as one, as the credit bureaus know you are comparing.

I am looking to build a portfolio of single and multifamily homes surrounding Dallas but with the unfortunate timing of being let go before doing my first deal, I will have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. 

Living in Iowa in 2014, I noticed how inexpensive all the houses were compared to where I grew up and that piqued my interest in real estate.

Before you go the traditional way and get a duplex, decide for yourself whether you want to be an active or passive investor?!

But succeeding with student rentals depends on how many rental units are available, compared to the amount of students there are.