Even if the numbers work out well, based on google maps street view and aerial photos, you're looking at a slum situation.

Then from there, just click down the street until you locate an abandoned-looking property.

Despite the fact that we went back with more comparable they were reluctant to use it even though it was on my same street and sold within weeks of my appraisal.

If you were going to bet on the next best performing electric automobile maker, would you invest you half million with Elon Musk...or the guy tinkering in his garage down the street? 

But I don't see how a couple of duplexes can pay for streets, curbs and gutters, here that runs about 100 bucks a foot and a cul-de-sac a little more.

You could be in on the ground floor of massive appreciation and get cashflow.Also, all of our rentals on corner lots and busy, secondary streets are easy to keep rented.

-Do my due diligence which usually includes Google street view to see if its something I want & to narrow my list.

My passion is Real Estate. i think about every second of the day. i cant drive down a street without looking for properties and such.

oh yes, as a single female, probably quite younger than you are, i ALWAYS carry my pepper spray...makes me feel good i have a surprise waiting for anyone who thinks they have me in their sites...tis good, because you can see if under IR lights, so if a police report is made and the suspect is caught,they can verify that that was the perp. you'll be okay lady, but toughen up, take the hit, and do whats safe versus what saves you money. being 'liberal' doesnt mean taking anyone off the street into your home, thats a cop out.

So, how about: find out where (say) $800/m IS the going rate in Springfield, and look for the worst houses in the best streets - in those areas?