All I have to know is if the house is block, what will my approximate total cost after I repair it, what is my approximate rent and after using conservative assumptions if the return is attractive enough for the area (I like working class neighborhoods) its a go.

Ideally I would just buy every house on a street or around a block.  

If you can go in and rehab it and make it the nicest building on the block, maybe you can upgrade your class of tenant.

Properties located a block from a subject property that you are trying to buy, and that have these special attributes will be in higher demand, making them worth more.You can try a web search and town records, if online to see how that town has valued the property, or ask someone here or an "experienced broker."

I live just a block from the Shorewood border (WFB).  

This was a desirable neighborhood in general but quite tough pulling comps because 2 blocks over is very different than a train in the yard.

There's a duplex, for example, that I was looking at, just 4 blocks east from Tir na nog downtown, listed for just over 100k that's in great shape.  

Mostly in parts.Foundation....outer shell(block), window framing...Roof...And thats it. 

Because the fundamentals might all be the same but what are the actual stumbling blocks in a market different to international markets.At the moment there is a sense of an economic downfall in South Africa, People are cutting down on there spendage, houses are being sold or foreclosure is being set up.

The cement steps leading up to the porch of my SFR need to be replaced. they have sunken into the ground and are starting to crumble. What is the best way to repair or rebuild the steps?