Would love to hear form some Multi-Family owners/operators in these markets about pros/cons and specifically neighborhoods to avoid.My wife and I have been to Columbia SC many times and, while we have never been to Little Rock Arkansas, we plan on going in Late March! 

With careful planning and local insights, Richmond can be a solid addition to your investment portfolio.Good luck!

And don’t underestimate the power of direct outreach; some sellers may be more flexible if you present a clear, structured plan for partnership or financing.

We plan to build a cabin or cabins for our family use and an STR.

Do you know what investment strategy you plan to use in the future?

I calculated her monthly payment is 1300.Since it is a vacant investment property where she will be taking a loss at sale and has been on market for 60 days, I am thinking seller financing may be mutually beneficial.I am planning to make 2 offers:300k with conventional mortgage.

., HVAC tune-up, plumbing fixes)Deep clean entire property pre-listingEstimated Cost: $5,000Total Estimated Renovation Cost: $145,000Project TimelineWeek 1-2: Planning and DemolitionFinalize design and materialsObtain necessary permitsBegin demolition (kitchen, bathrooms, floors)Week 3-5: Structural and Major InstallationsInstall new cabinets and countertops in kitchenComplete bathroom tiling and vanity installationRefinish or replace flooringWeek 6-7: Painting and FixturesPaint interior and exteriorInstall lighting, hardware, and plumbing fixturesWeek 8: Finishing TouchesLandscaping and curb appeal updatesDeep cleaning and stagingTotal Timeline: 8 Weeks*This link comes directly from our calculators, based on information input by the member who posted.

Make sure they know you plan to publicly point out to the local newspapers, Mayor's Office, and anyone who will be campaigning against them, just how stupid and lazy they are. 

Any insights, tips, or recent experiences would be greatly appreciated as I plan my next move!

You haven't told us anything about what you plan to do after purchasing the property, so it's not clear how important interest rate is in the long run.