In the eyes of the bank  I should look like a great person to give a loan too.

Looking at google bird eye view, it is not a very nice neighborhood. 

They are our eyes and ears. 

While some may have an eye for design, remember their job title is ‘contractor’ - not ‘designer’.

I moved from Memphis to Jackson and I like to keep an eye out for opportunities in both locations. 

I always keep my eyes out for great deals, but haven't done much marketing looking for off market properties; just keep my ear to the ground and talk to people in my neighborhood.

But I would like to suggest that the reason most RE investors do best locally is because they see and recognize the increased activity with their own eyes and read about local changes that impact neighborhoods or areas in the local newspaper...or before, which is why local officials often own prime property when roads are announced.

I personally trust my design eye, but have been working on it for about 3 years.

@David Faulkner That is what I was going for- rent out the in-law suite/basement of a SFH, but my fear is once I leave the area I'll have this SFH and could rent it 'illegally' as two units and won't be there to keep an eye on things.  

I'll keep an eye out.