He also only does section 8 because they pay the highest rents in the neighborhoods he buys in.There isn't  a wrong way to do it but I guarantee every way isn't right for every person and their situation.

The market rent in my neighborhood in Greenwood is about $1600 for my house (my neighbor rents a smaller house for $1600).

There is also a daycare on the NW corner so at least you'd have some activity nearby most of the day.We use a property manager, but I still stick to neighborhoods I would be comfortable going to on foot after 10 p.m. if I had to collect rent/fix something etc.

If that is the intention, then the deal again, seems a bit risky by the fact that it could become that "sour apple in the neighborhood".

One is a SFH, one is a duplex...the SFH is larger, will netmore $/mo because I won’t pay utilities... very similar in finishes, the duplex a little more updated.... but it appraised for 243 and the SFH only 164k... are Duplexes just valued higher in high rental neighborhoods?

Unless your neighborhood is deteriorating it may be advisable to hold out until prices are higher and your equity position is increased.

Neighborhoods can down-trend as well as up-trend, for example.  

I have lived here for 7 years so I am pretty familiar with all the areas but am having trouble picking a neighborhood.

You can call local city, police Dept and post office - ask the people who deliver mails in the area about the property and  neighborhood environment of subject property.  4) If I live near by, drive around and talk to the  neighbors.  

I am looking at a vacant property in my target neighborhood and from what county records indicate, the subject property has been used as collateral for the owner to purchase their primary residence.