The first thing that comes to my mind is to reduce expenses and bring the P+I down as much as possible to reduce overhead and provide a cashflow buffer.

Median home price is around 290k (+/-) nationwide.

@Charles S.The 50 % Rule States: That 50% of gross scheduled income (GSI) goes out over time to cover expenses not including debt coverage.The 1%, 2% and the 50% rule is meant to act as a quick analysis tool, to insure the deal is actually deal.

Great area - here are my numbers: Monthly Annual Purchase Price 168,500   Monthly Rent 2200 Cash to Close (20% + $4k close costs) 33,700   Annual Rent 26400                 Property Tax $375 $4,500     Insurance 100 1200     Mortgage 835 10020     Vacancy (5%) 110 1320     Repairs (5%) 110 1320             Total Expenses $1,530 $18,360   Net Income $670 $8,040   Net Income without Mortgage $1,505 $18,060       Cap Rate 5%       Cash on Cash 24%    

After some half-assed, yet still expensive repairs, I got a home warranty.  

I purchased a condo in the expensive LA market for my primary residence.  

Having this in mind, I'm having a hard time deciding if I should purchase a more expensive (160k-190k), new property Triplex (built within 2 years or purchasing a property that is cheaper (120k-150k), already tenanted but it is only a duplex. 

PROs:Adds a level of professionalismAccess to MLSNetworking with other agentsAccess to resources of TREC, TAR, NAR, SABOR, & other groupsListing your owner propertiesAbility to earn commissions (or given them up in order to get a deal)Ongoing education that keeps you at the forefront of the market, legal issues, & trendsCONs:More liability (assume professional liability)Some people just don't like RE agentsRealtor - often considered the last bastion of hope for people who have failed to launch a  successful career in anything else.Dues, Fees, Insurance, Expenses in GeneralSubject to rules and laws that don't apply to non-realtorsHaving to work with TREC (they are just very slow and cumbersome to work with)For me, I find it worth it to be a professional in my field.  

They may have mandates that essentially require stick-built houses, which would be more expensive, and may make the lots financially unfeasible.That could be another reason why the lots were never built on.Lastly, consider that if it's a package deal, some of the lots may be buildable and some may not be (or may be more difficult, less profitable). 

If you rebuilt for 80k for even numbers, it would take you 11 years at $600/mo in rent to recoup the 80k not to mention other expenses.