I have not felt unsafe in any of these "areas to avoid", though even if it should go without saying, I use basic street smarts when rolling through any familiar or unfamiliar area.  

Still a very interesting read nonetheless.http://seekingalpha.com/article/3132856-housing-bubble-2-investor-purchases-hit-record-small-investors-pile-in-smart-money-gets-out?

we will use my smart move.com. but that still leaves checking references, and past landlords, etc.

Would putting a duplex under section 8 housing in a bad neighborhood be a smart deal?

No bonus system needed, really, if they are smart, they will calculate that risk.

If the seller cannot understand why you would want to do this than I would walk away, even if the seller is your friend.As a seller, if he is smart, he will realize that he has a qualified buyer (you) that fell into his lap and that if you want an agent and he loses 2.5-3% so what?

Is it smart to get it over with if I am planning on it in the future anyways?

We also look at deals from other geographies, again on an ad hoc basis...especially if these deals are being brought by smart folks we know or have some existing relationships and the deals have some deep value add component.  

It's a smart thing to get into REI, and maybe you are very different from your peers, but anyone can learn to do it and results won't show if you don't put the work into it.

If they where smart they'd offer to buy it from you.I'd have an agreement with the park manager/owner that they'd offer you up to $xxx if you get the title after no redemption period times out.