Any appreciation we get will be by driving the net income up over time. 

I plan on driving around and maybe seeing a few houses but is there something else I could do?

My wife is currently taking classes to get her RE agent license to lower some of the evaluation barriers when driving for dollars as well as easier access to MLS data.We are always looking to improve our market knowledge, we would love to hear of any advice or potential deals you might & we are willing to share all that we know as well.Let me know if you would like to chat sometime!

I've been consuming many of Josh and Brandon's podcasts on my drive to and from work and just recently finished reading the very common "Rich Dad Poor Dad."  

If they do not know condition of property, your going to have to go and find out, so ask how you can access house, go out there with a contractor and find out (this is going to be hard for you because of distance (4 hr drive) and being your first deal im sure you do not have a contractor.Theoretically take ARV-Payoff-Fix up Cost=Potential profit.

I have driven to that branch from Joppa, Md myself on several occasions on an infrequent basis not a bad drive.

Keep in mind sometimes people say that to try and drive the price up and get the most for their property but I look at it like this, if she truly had such a high offer why would she still entertain you if you low-balled her?

There are several that have discussed investing in apartments (if you haven't already listened to them driving to the lake and back :-)

Driving for dollars.

With that being said try to drive your score up higher than what the lender requires is my best advice.Good luck!