I guess depending on the market, you will need varying degrees of security.

A good area to take a walk and look for stuff that might fit on your lot other than more townhouses is the University district neighborhood west of campus between brooklyn and the freeway.   

I mailed letters to potential sellers in my neighborhood, which is a up and coming area with rent growth across from a major university.

We all know the area is pretty rough with alot of drug users. i found out Baltimore is a block by block city so things can change in a blink of an eyei knew i would rehab the whole thing once bought and decided to finish basement to make it a 3bed/2bath and change the 45 degree stairs to align with one wall straight up.i set a budget of $60k ( some people say im crazy lol ) and plan on using a remodel loan for it.

Over the last year, four separate surveys have been taken asking when we can expect the next recession to occur: The Pulsenomics Survey of Market AnalystsThe Wall Street Journal Survey of EconomistsThe Duke University Survey of American CFOsThe National Association of Business Economics70% of all respondents to the four surveys believe that a recession will occur in 2019 or 2020 with an additional 18% saying 2021.However, we must realize that a recession does not mean we will experience another housing crash.

There is no universal time frame, partly because not all carpet is equal.

Am specializing in 1-4 unit residences near the University, that need work or have room for improvements.

The universe has a funny way of bringing things back in full circle. 

He's also fond of saying that you should tell everyone you know that you're looking for a deal, and that often the Universe provides.Before looking for a property though, I'd get real specific on who you are as an investor and the types of properties that interest you. 

It helps spread risk out to some degree.