I also agree that "bad areas" can be profitable as long as the tenants are properly investigated, credit, background etc.

As a construction inspector you will be way ahead of the game when investigating potential properties and estimating rehab costs, etc.

The agency identified on the notice investigated and found that the property appears to have been abandoned / left vacant.You can expect a Notice of Default or Lis Pendens (depending on your state) to be recorded against the property as soon as the lender gets around to it. 

In no particular order, you might want to investigate Waterford, Watervliet(really a part of Albany,) and Troy.

If I lived there I would definitely invest, but since I am going to be an out of state investor the majority of the national is available to me, so I need to have some way to filter to a reasonable number of cities for deeper investigation.

I also write fictional crime and investigation mystery's available on Amazon.

My husband and I are investigating flipping.

A scumbag contingency lawyer attempted to sue, but I conducted my own investigation and found that the "victim" was already totally disabled and yet was working under the table at a bar and for a rehabber.

I am a contractor so I have had opportunity to investigate how it is done in Mo.

I'm considering getting a Texas Real Estate License before I start REI.I've been studying/investigating, going to auctions, taken a few classes on Foreclosure and Tax sales for the last 7 months and have decided to start with a couple REO properties as rentals.Financing them will not be an issue.I would like to know the pros and cons from others who have become an agent for their own benefit. thanx so much for any input.