Or maybe go big, "How can I grow my investor pool so that I can seize any opportunity?"

If you can't invest in your backyard, pick a market you can drive to.

But frankly would feel more comfortable getting my feet wet in my own backyard.

Looking to get weeds pulled, mulch laid, shrubbery cleaned up in backyards

Hello EveryoneI have recently purchased 2 SF homes in Scottsdale, AZ, and they each have a pool.  

It's almost like having a pool, it brings you value if the other homes in the neighborhood have a pool, but the extra maintenance costs can be a big putoff to buyers who are not interested in the extra demands. 

This deal actually popped up right in our back yard, literally!

i don't see your ARV that high. it does go that high if you have a pool but the subject property doesn't.

Do you have a bigger or smaller buyer pool when you sell with a portfolio deal?

It also depends how deep are you in the foreign investor pool (foreigner with or without greencard, visa, social, bank account etc.)Generally speaking if you got a decent down payment then you can definitely secure a property and a good rate.Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.