On the positive end, house prices are far less expensive in most areas, the availability of homes below market value is excellent and the ability to both use rental income to pay down the loan on the property and make monthly income at the same time is there.

Either way I still have the ability to acquire a self storage building for less than $20/sq ft, which is cheap!

There is a bill within the state of Missouri to change the ability for cities to over-ride the open carry option.  

There are two conditions that contribute to our ability to buy at a discount:1) TIME - the seller is out of time, needs to move fast; needs CASH quickly2) CONDITION - the property needs repair and may not sell in the "retail" marketIt's hard to get someone to sell at a discount if they have a nice place and are not in a huge hurry.  

My objective is to create a solid business moving Charlotte’s worst properties from the hands of owners who don’t have the ability or desire to renovate and maintain them into the hands of skilled investors and landlords who will create attractive, affordable housing for area residents.

We never try to market something prior to owing it.I was doing another one in KC were it was a fail sale because of inspections and the agent threaten to turn us in for contracting with no ability to fund...And or she thought we were going to flip it...

I've purchased a house that had 'everything replaced' but I've been hit with big bills unexpectedly...so if you feel the urge still without cash reserves (or the ability to build one) I hope you have some credit you can tap into (which it doesn't sound like do).  

Your major issues would likely be the siding not doing it's job, with is keeping the elements away from untreated wood and materials. 

The ability to sell and take advantage of  $250,000 exclusion of gain for a signal person (IRC 121) if you live in it as your primary residence at least two of the last five years.4. 

I like the very specific verbiage used to discuss the tenant's ability to pay rent as and when due, and I will be using that.