I am also looking at EaDo (east downtown) and Ive see the North Village/Heights has a new event space and rail link being built and new construction is going up.  

Investors see the 'fantom' costs and high HOA fees as deal killers.

In order to see the deals, you have to be connected, because most of the inventory sells off market between commercial agents and brokers.  

I can see the logic in that as well.  

Being that it is a rental they will want to see the tents are in a lease & paying to take the chance on the refi.

Hard money, first deal, sellers market, MLS; I don't see the winning equation in that.Save up 20%, save up operating capital, educate yourself....win.

In the end, I would not be scared of it just because of CMHA involvement but do ask to see the HAP contract from the seller in addition to the lease.

@Karen Harris I need to run to an appointment, but the short answer is that I think you're on to something - hard to see the long-term potential in Radford.

I can go take clients/customers to see the property without a problem however I don't know how to estimate repair costs so usually me and the customer/client just go take a look and they tell me what they think.By building a huge buyer's list full of quality buyers and matching them up with discount properties I see on these sites, in theory I think this sounds like a good idea.

@Oleg Shalumov - One of the units has recently come vacant and I found the listing for it to see the pictures of the inside of the unit and condition and what they are asking for the rent.