I've always found the deals to be in the fixer-upper category.

To see for yourself, just go online to the clerk’s site, Official Records, look at any random deed transfer recording....the price is shown and the doc stamps $ amount charged is printed on the deed in the upper right hand corner....you do the math......it is $0.70/$100. 

Buy a fixer-upper.

., 123 Main St Upper [STR] and 123 Main St Lower [LTR].

During that time you find another fixer-upper to Rent.

I just looked at it as a long-term investment in a fixer-upper when making the purchase.

Quote from @Michael Smythe: @Alex Rivera Jr. look into FHA 203(k) which allows you finance repairs when you purchase.Then you can look at fixer-uppers that have less competition to buy => lower price!

And then I still wouldn't buy because if insurance keeps going up and up, it will be unsellable and tenants don't want to live in a flood zone unless they are on the upper floors.

The magnifying glass (upper right hand corner) is a gateway to forum posts, stories, and investor experiences.

When I got my first duplex using a 203k, especially it being a fixer upper, the renovation alone took almost 8 months to complete.