I work a full time engineering job while I try to do all my own repairs/maintenance. 

Even though the prices are low, what is best way to asses prices for foreign investors ?

During that time, I also had 2 mortgages that were successfully modified--but as a result my credit scores have suffered and dipped to the low 600's.

its suspect for sure.private money is just that some person you know .. not met on line .. trying to find private money on line is no more or less than internet dating.. who knows who you are meeting.any lender that wants points and super low rate is suspect on its face.. just not the real world..

I am wondering if anyone has recommendations for a good property manager with extensive experience with low income housing/section 8 tenants.

.$7,850 Gross Monthly Rent$785 Vacancy (10%)$785 Property Management (10%)$1000 Taxes (Current Totals =$675/mo) Anticipating taxes to go up after purchase$1000 Insurance$1028 CapEx$392.50 Maintenance (5%)= $2859.50 NOIWith that NOI, what would you pay for it. 

I started thinking I should refinance my coop with today's low rates  and take about $100k cash out at 3.50 % interest rate. 

Here is the problem - up to this point, the owners have been taking responsibility of repairs, maintenance, etc of the interior of their units and the HOA was responsible for the common areas.  

(as for California and New york it seems)Our goal is to invest on rental properties (we can't flip from France) with very low expenses in a safe area.

On the other side, you could have a new build that owner pays no utilities there are no major maintenance issues because the building is brand new and operating expenses ratio could be 30-40%.