We are trying to find alternatives on how to start investing in real estate.

Hammond has a slightly lower price point for the same amount of rents so naturally ROI is going to be higher. 

Or alternatively you could have done a walk through, both accepted a new condition list, repair estimates and SD accounting.

I was originally looking for a home with a mother-in law I could rent out, (alternative to a duplex) but so many are done very poorly, and the ones that are nice are sold instantly.

Alternatively a small business can run out of their basement etc.When economy is good business licenses applications are up.Not a big fan of office but that's just me.

Too much competition in the area from new product, owner is a tired landlord who has mismanaged, has the area changed to more commercial or mainly single family houses in nature?

Conventional financing terms and rates are so attractive so naturally I focused on this first.

Is there another type of flooring  that might be a better alternative than either of those options?

For people who do not want to spend all of their time managing and fixing their rental properties and/or plan to scale beyond what one person could possibly manage there are alternatives out there.

I just wanted to get my side of the story out there and offer an alternative to discuss.