I tend to fall in the camp that @Joe Villeneuve is in.

Even if it doesn't cover everything and you are willing to cover whatever expenses the rent does not, then keeping may be good with the potential appreciation.As an out-of-state investor, we always have a property manager manage our properties as it is very difficult to tend to the property when things go really bad.

@Justin Pierce There is definitely more employment in Norfolk and people only tend to cross the bridge recreationally or if their job is particularly high paying.

I'm personally interested in buying a multi-family property and living in one of the units while renting the others.I have tons of questions about the Bloomington market in general (I know BP folks tend to prefer clear and concise questions), but I am struggling finding reliable market data online.

Freddie and Fannie will look at crime reports for that area, if their is a significant amount of "violent crime" they tend to try and shy away or limit their exposure on a case by case basis. 

These loans tend to hold low interest rates as well, usually.

Underpowered and dead batteries drive me nuts.

There were two in the complex where I had the condos, not well kept, and residents who use them tend to do their laundry, go away to do chores, and people going after will find clothes in them, and then had to clear it out.

I can't imagine dealing with this in MD or NJ which tend to be more tenant friendly. 

,We use Cozy.co for our rentals, and it synchs it up with hotpads.com, trulia, etc... and also make sure you're on Zillow.com, that's where we tend to get most of our leads.