I am able to search my local counties assessors data, county GIS, and find information about the neighborhood, comps, taxes, and such.

The most important things to me as a borrower are:1. long term (36-60 months) interest only terms for rentals that include rehab funds2. based on ARV: (credit is not an issue for me, but I'm interested in working class neighborhoods with very low cost properties for sale that will need work)3. speed to close4. low minimum borrowing amount ( I don't want to borrow more than $40K to start)5. newbie friendly6.

Existing homes are often in mature neighborhoods and frequently are not part of a larger home-owner’s group.

Then sit down with all three of them to meet and have them fill out applications and you should be able to get a good read on them.With this path the tenant will realize that you have ties to the neighborhood and know what is going on.

My project is infill in a high demand neighborhood with very limited inventory.

You may be able to find something ready to rent in a nice neighborhood but more likely you will buy something for less and have to do some upgrades.I am not an agent so I don't really help others find deals.

I'm also in the DC market, looking to gain general knowledge as well as specific market knowledge of the H Street neighborhood, where I also reside.

Take this time to find your niche, dont be a neighborhood specialist like everyone else.

I do not know how often the property will be vacant, but the property is in a popular neighborhood in Washington DC near metros and Amtrak.

Let me just say, that to judge one city by one neighborhood or so is sort of interesting.