Yes, the landlord owns 4 building on our street, tight in a row.

Does it LOOK inviting from the street?

Our lot faces two street. from east and west.

They wind up with guys tweaked out on drugs, not showing up, stealing stuff, and doing crappy work.

Meth lab threads already here:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/84/topics/8789-clean-up-help-http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/30/topics/17926-meth-labs-in-trailershttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/67/topics/312-investing-in-or-owning-drug-lab-propertieshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/93/topics/41025-potential-property-http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/67/topics/14428-rehabbing-a-meth-lab

I figured I'd be in a good position to pick up a duplex down the street, but have realized going the conventional route is not going to work.

i agree with everything that max i has said and i would also add that look on different websites for properties,call up agents for deals that meet your critieria in those states u would would into also dont just look online,before you move visit the place and spend a few days there and walk the streets,properties to get a good feel for things,dont buy sight unseen although some investors do have success doing so...with 17k yeah you are limited but you still could buy properties with that amount of cash you could actually buy a few properties in certain areas using some as downpayment and using owner financing...but that totally depends on your strategy.I would also say to look into wholesaling to get more cash or however it is that you are coming up with your capital to keep doing just that.Also look for lenders in those areas

She is very abusive and she uses his truck that is in her name, to run the streets after he gets home from work.

Why not give your tenants a notice:All painted surfaces have been painted with a startch base in the paint that will turn purple if any painted area is exposed to any synthetic drug smoke or vapor such as meth or K-2.LOL!

It is a town home on my street, no HOA, relatively new (1999), and decently sized for the neighborhood (bigger than my current residence).