I see potentials and money flowing through these beautiful neighborhoods, some which may have a few abandoned houses on each block, but nobody is telling me where to begin directly. 

I feel your pain!

I flipped one at 41st and Illinois last year and made $27k. 3 blocks south and the houses are barely worth $27k.

I assure you that a guy like him just wants to get rid of the house because it seems like it's a pain and he's making no money off of his tenants.

If you are in the rent to own business, you know that FHA is NICE but not easy to qualify for.FHA Qualifications http://www.fha.com/fha_loan_requirements3% down is nice but the house needs to appraise for a FHA AppraisalFHA Appraisal is hard to forecasthttp://www.coestervms.com/fha-appraisal-guidelinesPMI SucksPMI is a pain in the a$$See http://homeguides.sfgate.com/fha-pmi-rules-7346.ht...

The 2nd just looks like a bunch of layers of paint over cinder block. 

I would suggest you work in an area you are familiar with already, and if you want to branch out share those particular areas (blocks) with someone for their input.

If I am in a charitable mood and you have done some things correctly I will not block your e-mails the first time you do this.

Need to try to buy as many as you can in the same area or block if you can.Come on out and I will give you a tour. 

You can replace the window with glass block (to avoid giving free peep shows to the neighbors) or get rid of it.Personally, I think many buyers like both tub and shower in the master, so consider just leaving it, unless you really would prefer the shower for yourself.