There are still pockets in those areas but if you screen and give a good product you can attract great tenants. 

When you start opening up old houses you'll find problems that need to be addressed if you want to deliver a high-quality product to the end user.

Starting my wholesale journey right now :)I have some experience in buying real estate for rentals and flips.As a rule I made for myself, I won't work in areas where I know crime levels are high and are generally low income areas, becasue I know how hard it is to sell them (if its a fix & flips) or rent them.Nowadays I'm looking into starting my wholesale business and was curious about that...Does it matter for the cash buyers?

While specific neighborhood recommendations can vary based on current market conditions, areas close to universities, medical centers, and business districts tend to have strong rental demand.

I spent many years in the insurance business and have never heard of a policy application for an excess, or umbrella, policy to be denied because of a claim, especially a property damage claim.

Hey BP, I am deciding on business structures.

For me, a primary activity is something I can do that directly leads to business if not immediately then later.

The other options include: -moving into the property for a year to qualify for loan products such as FHA or conventional.

Has anyone worked with one of these businesses or something similar? 

,Bruce, holding a property for potential appreciation (i.e. not actively generating rental or business income) is a valid tax strategy.