@Ray Tsang Thank you for the candid feedback on your experience! 

I try sending a video or doing a live video walk-through with them so they can get a better idea of the layout, condition, neighborhood, etc.2.

Over the next 7-10 years, these properties will fluctuate up and down in value based on the current economy; however, real estate will move up and to the right over time. 

The history of New Haven and Hartford lead me to believe that these major cities could make a comeback in the next 10-20 years.

You want an accountant who can help you strategize and who is responsive when you want to know the consequences of the financial decisions you are making throughout the year.Good luck.

Also, often times the original homeowners still live in the property so once the sale is ratified you have to go through the eviction process or offer cash for keys to get them to leave.

Lots of DC area investors and pros here on the forums. 

As you embark on this journey, you'll learn the importance of market research, the art of negotiation, and the power of leveraging assets.

After living through the GFC and the shrinking market for local banks, they saw an opening in the market for what they call "consultative banking" like they had years before and decided to start a bank.

I have high equity in my current duplex so planning on using that to fund down payment for the next property.