I would probably look for an area that had houses old enough to show physical distress just be virtue of age.

Physical - A thorough inspection of the site, inside and out of all units and grounds.

Check other houses that are close in proximity on that same street to see if this has actually hurt value.   

I've been purchasing in the Allston-Brighton area, Jamaica Plain, Watertown and Natick, mainly due to proximity to where I live. 

I am smack in the middle of these parks and I hope to be able to use my time talents and proximity to accelerate my growth.

I have checked tax records to confirm past rental histories and most applicants have no problem lying and thanks to positive re-enforcement of tenants staying several years, I will physically drive to check reference addresses and interview individuals with signed consent forms in hand for this practice. i wish it could be easier than all the effort but maybe that is why I am here, to find easier solutions. sorry about mispelling I never get it 100%.Lol!

If you have their physical address, mail them a letter (yellow) saying you'd like to buy that property and for them to call you.  

I have physically gone to the County Recorder of Deeds Office and performed a search myself along with the help of an employee at the Help Desk.

Oregon City has the potential to be special due to the Willamette River frontage, amount of historic homes, history (end of the Oregon Trail) and proximity to major freeways.

I think I can handle doing the DIY myself (renting mini excavator and doing the membrane myself), but the physical labor may be too much for one guy to handle.