The narrative, as I understand it, is that a Realtor will hold one usually because the homeowner wants one and is under the mistaken impression that it will attract serious buyers, when in reality you get curious neighbors and the competition.What do you all say?

We have an 8-plex with wood burning fireplaces and it is a charm that attracts tenants.

Remember Gary has 7 miles of lake front real estate along Lake Michigan, a robust rail system, and affordable land and buildings for additional businesses which may become attracted to the growth in the area. 

I was responsible for RFI, RFQ & RFP responses in aspects of verbiage as well as graphical design.

If you have a lower end home that needs updates but overall is safe and clean, section 8 might get you more prospects at market rate vs the prospect of you having to discount rent to attract non subsidized tenants.  

I use the interactive map at the bottom of a zillow house and can at least see graphically what has sold recently and for how much and what is for rent and how much.So I can see if the area feels like a 50K area or a 70K area. 

Clearly by normal standards this wouldn't be a good deal, but the fact that my living expenses are covered for, this makes this an attractive offer.  

The figure might be "made up" in that case.All in all, the bottom line shows an annual ROI (return on investment) of approxmiately 10%:Annual Profit: $4200 ($350 x 12)Cost to close: $42,800ROI - $4200 / $42,8000 = 9.8%That's not all that attractive for what I would consider fairly risky - multi-tenant is higher risk than single fam, in my opinion.

If you are going to buy and hold, how attractive is the neighborhood to attract renters, what are the rents, how is the neighborhood kept up, are you getting a good return on your investment and what is the condition of the homes on the street?

Brian, With your background, it might be a more productive conversation here to back into what might be attractive to you rather than trying to fish.