Show some newer investors why the land under can be the deciding factor.

What factors can I take into account that may assure me I would be ok, is there a population or statistic?  

Considering the neighborhood and size of the house - the two most important factors in the ultimate value of the house - and using comps and my knowledge of the local market, I figure out a "drop-dead" offer, a likely offer, and a "fire sale" offer.

Then complained because the company had "piled everything in the middle the room like a mountain" and "it took forever to get it straightened back up" (can't see that ever happened).

I urge you to consider all factors before making an informed decision.

There are so many factors, including the skill set needed and the personal inclination of the investor.  

This is due to a few factors, one is the college (VCU) students have their parents come in and buy up the Duplex’s and Triplexes paying too much and driving up the price.

I was curious, however, as to the factors that influenced your decision to invest out of the local area, especially doing flips which seems really tricky from a distance. 

I know it depends on what your goals are and other factors.

My numbers are run with an FHA loan that considers factors Is the 50% rule too conservative, or are there simply not good buys right now in Chicago.