Yes, it will cost more in the short run, but over the long haul with any real estate strategy that requires renovation, it's far wiser than trying to do an end-around local code enforcement.

Value trumps price over time - Toys R Us failed because they failed to offer value over time as markets changed and the same thing happens in this business every day. 

I'm in this for the long haul. 

I avoid places that I’d need to have a house full of junk hauled out (hoarder home) or needs flooring work/walls/ceiling/roof or foundation work.Then I sign off on the fixes, rent rate and ultimately the tenant with my PM team.

You are in it for the long haul.  

If you're young enough and in it for the long haul, then any market can work.

When a tenant moves and this is myself doing the work with one or two workers, my cost to paint a SFR, replace carpets, repair plumbing, clean the yard, trim trees, haul trash to the dump, etc. is $6,000 to $8,000.

That being said, I had a day off from work this week and I hauled some junk to the landfill.

Regarding Realtors, find one you want to work with that can be in it for the long haul, and be mindful that many will want to see where the reward is for them.

Every NO gets me closer to YES!