BP offers good resources on a book i like for out of state investing https://www.biggerpockets.com/store/long-distance-real-estate-investing-ultimate Read books like these and follow actionable steps.Next i'd start exploring strong markets with good economic indicators.

I don’t even see a Target store there yet.

If there are lots of young boys with pants below their butts, hangin on corners, by liquor stores and markets its a rough/edgy area.

Another good place to start with investing out of state in David Greene's book on the BP Book store : https://www.biggerpockets.com/store/long-distance-...Hope this helps my man!

We liked the homes, killer location; schools, down town, stores, etc.

I lived in this apartment complex 12 yrs ago. 5 rental units in top of bldg and 4 stores on bottom of bldg.

It was like they went to the same store to buy the response. 

Or do i go find another bank and have a fresh set of eyes look at it? 

the Note spells out the terms.. deed of trust recorded secures your interest.if you need a personal guarantee  from borrower thats done in a separate document.. you can ask to review a sample note and trust deed and P G  .. other than that there is just borrower info.. credit score net worth that type of thing.. you may also want to background your borrower make sure they are good citizensOH also you want to see title report if its a fresh funding.. or a copy of the title insurance if you buying existing and make sure the insurance is still in effect for any assignee  as you would be buying the loan via an assignment

I found that I was looking at it from my own personal taste level and judging the house from that vs. the fact that my rentals are clean, have fresh paint, are well-kept, and are great rental properties—which is all my renters are looking for.