With that said, a lot of the areas in KC that seem popular on BP are in parts of town that are not as desirable and may not experience appreciation.

That's why I invest in multi-family homes a few towns away from where I live: it's where my ROI is best.  

If the property is in disrepair you can also check with the local inspectors/clerks office and see if the town/county have slapped the property with a "Lis Pendens" (spell check) these sometimes do not show up on a title search.

Even though I buy out of state is in my home town.

My only hold up about this property is that it isn't in the greatest area of town, and it is in a flood plane.

H, does anyone know of resources that could help a landlord when the tenant skips town without paying months of rent?

They are here with a work visa and employed at a local business here in town.

As an OC local I love hearing stories like this in town.

I believe they meet in Evans Town Center on the first Thursday of every month at 7PM (double check that — I missed the last 2). 

I'm kind of curious about the details of the Scottsdale town homes.