Bartlett is nice and has great schools (if you have kids)and a rec center that is very inexpensive). 

I am going to use your tips now, I appreciate it. 

I wasn't kidding about that "toss an oven in" idea, I've had people do that the day before the appraiser shows up.If it's right when the appraiser shows up and looks like it's been that way for years, they generally will not question who did the work provided it appears to have been done in a "workmanlike manner" (this is common in the east bay where the housing stock is 100+ years old).

It’s hard with 2 kids, a wife, and a full time job.

Since a renter cannot go without food, most will not go without medicine, they cannot go without transportation and most do not want their kids to go without these either, they have to pick and choose often which bills to pay and how much.Rent is usually the very first thing to get behind in emergencies.   

I'll definitely have to keep this in mind down the road for my kid (he's got a long time to go)

Just tip from Realtor to Realtor, Real estate is People business.

Even in a D or F area, everything will appreciate by the time my kids get it.

It could be you, your kids, friends, who lose out and are the provider of the great deal: loss of income, over-leverage, drop in rents.  

Many elderly visitors and families with young kids like condos for the pools, flat parking, and easier access.