I'm an active investor and feel your pain when trying out a new company - I like companies who I know I can count on ... even if it costs me a few more bucks per year!

Don't get me wrong, it does not mean its a walk in the park, buy the wrong property in the wrong location and you will feel the pain.

They sent you a agreement to sign on that and you disappear.

We had professional contractors pain the living room and kitchen.

The two largest challenges were an error on my credit report that delayed the loan application by a week and was a huge pain to fix.

This is because of the risk mentioned above, plus the process of the remodel is a pain and is worth compensation in the form of equity. 

Its a pain for the seller, but if you can handle all that - sure - live there. 

If you are defiantly not interested in that I would start trying to find sellers with a pain point that you can identify and try to solve their problem by buying there property (hopefully at a discount).

But, what are the continuing challenges that need attention; what is it like to rent in the area (plenty of rentals, tenants have lots to choose from), What do you love about Williamsport and what pains you; basically what is like to live in the area?

@Gary Baker  I feel your pain with lower amount to invest in IRA accounts and being kicked by stock market...