That may have caused small multis to look comparatively less attractive, when that is not necessarily the case.

Sometimes it happens and sometimes it does not.In this case, the cash-on-cash return on the 4-unit must be terrible, but the 3-unit sounds like it could be attractive. 

It seemed to attract tenants that thought I was desperate and willing to overlook qualifications listed in ad.

You should be able to get a 30 yr fixed rate at pretty attractive terms.

More imply put, junk properties attract junk tenants. 

Here is a quote I heard from Hal Elrod “Your level of success will rarely exceed your level of personal development because success is something that you attract by the person you become”Here is my list of the top books that have made the greatest impact on me so far, and I would like to recommend:The Miracle Morning by Hal ElrodThe Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon TurnerThe Book on Managing Rental Properties by Brandon and Heather TurnerRich Dad Poor Dad by Robert KiyosakiThe Compound Effect by Darren HardyBuy Rent Rehab Refinance Repeat by David GreeneMaxout your Life by Ed MylettThe Book on Tax Strategies by Amanda HanThe Five Love Languages by Gary ChapmanThe Ultimate Self-Directed IRA by Jeff AstorEnjoy, learn, and most importantly take action!!

Overall incorporating a beach theme to attract vacationers.

Overall incorporating a beach theme to attract vacationers.

The East Side, Bayview, Riverwest, Washington Heights, Walker's Point, etc tend to be the more well known B-class areas that can have attractive options.

I currently own two one beds, located in Carroll Gardens and Park Slope, I also own a 3 bed in South Slope that I live in.In regards to the four neighborhoods you mentioned and how they will potentially appreciate, I would say the following:PLG- I wouldn't buy a one bed unit here, as it primarily attracts families looking for relatively affordable singe family town houses, and doesn't offer much that young professionals would be attracted to.Prospect Heights- A great area full of dinning options, transportation, bars, etc.