I see nothing wrong with Phil asking for the money if he is trying to link together with other well established investors from around the US, but that does sound kind of steep for someone who is more than likely just getting in the game, as his training courses would attract new people rather than established investors, who really do not need training usually. 

Areas that surround attractive neighborhoods stand to be revitalized before others due to the inevitable spillover that occurs as an area becomes more populous.

As a Realtor, I attracted real estate investors as clients.

The people we attract are not the ones normally living in this area.

Direct deposit makes it very attractive.

Dear Bigger Pockets Members:  Let's be honest with each other here: One of the reasons that we are attracted to real estate, as an investment, is because of the unequal distribution of knowledge.

In other words, attracting that out-of-state money is consistent with a common theme in regional success. 

How I would determine it: if the unit tends to be difficult to rent; if it attracts the kind of renters I try to avoid; if I could easily replace it at a lower price and make a significant profit from selling it; if I had too many units or was tired of dealing with that particular unit (high maintenance, for example). 

Do you guys think the high crime rate in east Garfield Park and North Lawndale make it difficult to attract quality tenants?

There is some upside to raising the rents and doing some reno on units that make this particularly attractive.