Fixing the landscaping and modernizing the home.

There are some interesting pockets in the "dells" Wendell, Knightdale, Shotwell, etc. where you can likely find something in the 200k range that will rent for $1,400-$1,500 which is going to get you to about a 0.75% rule versus something closer to 2/3% in the immediate municipalities in the metropolitan statistical area (MSA).I also want to add some caution as far as overall pricing is concerned.

Lots of other investors rent out property in these neighborhoods, so I was wondering if anyone has had any problems investing in these areas, or has any wisdom to shed on how these types of statistics affect investment decisions?

Statistically speaking, some are likely to be low quality services, some are likely to be unscrupulous types trying to steal my identity, but I'm hopeful at least a couple are legit people just trying to make money like you and me. 

Recently there has been a statistic going around on how TN, TX, OH are some of the top states where Uhauls are going.

The statistics seem to bear it out.

The landscaping is also a giveaway if a property is getting good care.

Quote from @Susan Tan: The tenant has no evidence that the scratch was caused by the landscaper.

Also many appraisers don't use the best modern statistical techniques or tools available.

The statistics being quoted by that article are counting the "inventory" of vacant apartments up for rent vs.