It seems that I should focus on what historically works (making meaningful connections with my SOI and beyond) and to spend money on marketing that enhances those efforts.

Just thought it would be interesting to share historical values to get everyone on the bigger picture.

The areas between Washington and Harrison is the central areas that have been historically stigmatized.   

Your goals to focus on buy and hold properties seems sound, and getting started at a young age will allow time to be on your side, to take advantage of some gains due to inflation, changing market conditions, historical trends and your experience in the RE market.  

The interest I would assume based on historical averages. 

Do the rent roles show historic vacancy "as is" at 6%?

An awesome historic Victorian in a run down neighborhood, a shelter around the corner, Pittsburgh-esque a couple of streets over (swept dirt yards, a 'gathering of old men' around a bbq").  

You likely are aware of both the property and rent historical appreciation.  

Even then, the regulatory requirements to qualify for mortgage financing in Canada - even before they were recently re-tightened - is stricter than in the U.S.A. ... which is why Canadians have historically had mortgage arrears <1% and defaults <0.5%.  

Historic highs for the type of properties I like (3 bed 1 bath row homes) are only about $100,000.