I was into REI & stocks, but abandoned the equities after the infamous Black Monday (1987), so I concentrated on just accumulating Real Estate.

@Steve MorrisAnd at the same time Black Rock was 100% ready to make the deal with LB to acquire if the debt could be carried by the fed long enough to execute the deal.

Then to make matters worse after I’m already discouraged about my efforts as a real estate investor, I come home to find a dead chicken in my front yard wrapped up in a black plastic trash bag.

High end black and grey work nothing trashy/offensive. 

You're going to be testing with postcards, mailers, lists, black/white vs color, etc. 

Unless you've got a property with rampant black mold or something, I don't really see this as being a relocation issue.

What you're asking is the same thing as if you wanted to buy a car, and asked "how much should I save for a deposit on a new car"....and, saying "10 units, all 2 bed/1 bath, etc..." doesn't make it any easier than saying, "SUV, sunroof, big engine, black exterior, charcoal interior, leather, nice stereo, power seats, seat heaters, etc...".The only way of knowing is to find a property or two that might interest you, then find out how much they cost. 

Although have yet to do an FC in MD with an HOA, a quick glance indicates that this, fortunately for you, is very black and white. 

You also must check out the Black Diamond event that is in Waltham (2nd location in Worcester as well) that @Ann Bellamy is one of the founders of.There is also the Boston Area REIA which would be the other super close one for you.

If you could, then rent increases should have you "Back in Black" soon with some equity intact hopefully.