A drive by of properties showed building exteriors are in need of serious work and windows are broken but are all 100% occupied.

There's no point in asking this question until you own a property, or are willing to pay a GC $750 for a basic one hour consultation, and you're driving to them, unless the property you own is next door to a job they are doing.GC I know, Sacramento: "I charged $1250 for something that took 10 minutes.

We can have coffee if you have an interest and driving the neighborhoods gives you a better perspective.

Another way is drive around for about 3-4 blocks in every direction from the property you are considering, and call any "For Rent" signs. 

It is better to ask yourself what type of COC you are seeking, because the returns you seek should drive the deal.

I’ve noticed in CL that there are quite a few folks who repeatedly post the same ad that drives down everyone else’s postings.

That is when I realized, its my desperation to make it, my drive, my ego, and my impatience, which makes me grind my wheels too hard and make emotional decisions (rather can carefully studied ones), thereby leading to more failure.

I mean no disrespect or insult of your intelligence, but often times people take that estimate as gospel who are just unaware.Keep this drive! 

I would be interested in what actually drives the numbers you posted.

That is actionable for me and I can decide whether to drive and see the property or strike it off the list.