Those rates would be low in my area by half .I do service work , the clock starts ticking when the truck leaves the shop and doesnt stop until the truck and men return .

@Rafael Ramos All your goals contradict each other:(1) Cashflow: buy Class C & D properties2) Appreciation: buy Class A & B properties3) Low Crime: buy Class A & B properties4) Why would you want your investments to lose money to lower your taxes?

Happy New Year, everyone!
Getting right to the purpose of my post, with all the relevant context: I’m 52 and living near Seattle. I have a good FT job in education administration, but I want to retire asap, focusing ...

If you are going to be an owner-occupant, want a low down payment, and are planning to do a renovation, the FHA 203k and Fannie May Homestyle loans are your best optionsHow do you know the property is currently upside down on the mortgage? 

Everybody thinks they can paint because they can - you get a brush or a roller, a can of paint at Lowe's and away you go.

There are other loan products available that are still a low down payment. 

Low value markets might be Pennies on the dollar like you allude to. 

A property manager’s expertise in handling maintenance issues, dealing with tenant concerns, ensuring legal compliance, and keeping vacancy rates low can make a huge difference in the financial performance and sustainability of a property.

Starting with a trailer is a smart, low-cost option.

I don’t want the property to appraise low and not have enough money to get when I cash out.