Hi, just joined BiggerPockets looking to expand my knowledge and connections in RE.

I decided to expand to Sioux City, IA, Yankton and Vermillion SD, and Omaha, Lincoln, Fremont, Grand Island, and Columbus, NE.

Our goal is to own a few free and clear...the cash flow will be amazing - easily clearing $5000 a month for one 1 bedroom vacation rental we paid $265k for about 1.5 years ago.  

I know duplexes in C neighborhoods that are 90-100k and rent for $675-725 easily (1000sqft 2/2 each side)...

The ONLY reason to buy there or in similarly bad neighborhoods like Arbor Hill in Albany or Crane St in Shenectady, or South Troy for that matter, is because you can easily get 15+ cap rates and 30+% COCR because most of us would rather not have to wear a helmet when collecting rents.  

you are mentioning a very important concept here and Allow me to expand the discussion a little bit so I can get the most benefit of your reply . 

I can easily cash flow on these properties, as I know what they are currently renting for and the current hoa dues. 

They are not cheap, so if it is a small easily fixed issue I may not use them.

I have my home and a townhouse rented out, and am looking into expanding my portfolio but not in the lower mainland market.  

You might be successful in small claims if it's a small amount because you can easily spend $3,000 in attorneys fees to recover your $3,000.