And perhaps more importantly lenders like to make loans to a client in an otherwise static environment - nothing else going on but that loan.   

Long answer, but I'd rather try to teach you to fish than to toss you a sardine :)

If you are in a much more urban environment, things like busy roads are more "par for the course" and may not impact value as much. 

I'm sorry that you are experiencing an unsupportive environment from your family...they can often make you second guess your choices.With that being said, go back to your numbers - do they make sense? 

For example, a city environment will get re rented much faster if the tenant moves out. 

You are in business to make money not save the environment.

If your investment strategies don't work in the current market environment , it is not the market's fault, it is time to adapt your strategies to the current market (with an eye out to be hedged for the future) rather than expecting the market to adapt to your strategies.

Personal neighborhood knowledge is key for knowing about your rental market that only you will be able to research. 6 homes for rent in the immediate area could mean several things a) neighborhood is not desireable or demand is lower than adjacent neighborhoods b) know your school districts and neighborhood borders carefully, they could be in different school districts even if they are a block apart and the other school district is not as well regarded. c) high vacancies might not mean high competition environment, it just means demand is low for the area and no way of making your asset stand like painting your house gold out can make people overcome wanting to seek a better neighborhood.

Stop yelling @John Thedford, you're scaring the fish !

Your goal is to always push for high quality reviews, a safe clean environment for your guests, and the ability to have a long lasting revenue generator for yourself.