My question:  From a purely real estate investment standpoint, is it better to buy something in the lower range that may have a bigger return on investment?

If you bring me a deal, it needs to have an advantage- 1) Reduced price from retail 2) Better condition - (so Its move in ready) 3) lower than market rents 4) Financing Terms, Etc.

Very easy to post on there and in the process will give you maximum exposure where the eye balls are.For the lower income areas we are seeing about 50/50 between the Zillow partner sites and Craigslist.

I grew up in the DC suburbs but moved up here 11 years ago for the lower cost of living. 

I'm wondering if you all could give me some pro's and cons:I'm wondering if it's a good idea to asking for a rent increase as part of my purchase contract with a tenant who is month to month and the seller has a management company taking care of property.My thinking is, if I were the seller and they asked this of me instead of asking for a lower purchase price I wouldn't mind.

If it is near the city, meaning more of a rural area, turnover will cost more than what’s covered by a 10% vacancy projection, just because of the lower demand and smaller pool of potential applicants.This is a very unattractive “deal.”

I've had the experience twice now where my higher offer was rejected (in a highest and best scenario) only to have the house go to a lower bidder. 

This would lower each months payment AND quickly refill the HELOC for the next deal. 

So if a house is listed for rent for $1000, it most likely rented for $1000 or lower, but Rentometer would always pick it up at $1000 even if it actually rented for $950.

If B- and below maybe you can offer one tenant lower rent to do it.