Less than a couple months later, we have seen identical properties in the neighborhood selling for $100-105K.

I love this line...and if you don't mind, I'm going to steal it as a substitute for when I usually say "you make your money when you buy, and realize it when you exit" 

Knowing that a full reno is 20k (me doing all the work) It was easy to establish a steal price.

It was only because he hid his identity that I got duped into working with him. 

Savings quickly grew again and found an amazing brick rancher around the corner from 2nd rental that was being sold by the children who recently inherited the property, got it for what I feel is a steal (3rd property rent $1050 PITI is $450).

He then spent the next hour adding identical listings on Craigslist sites in every major city around Knoxville. 

Investing isn't about trying to steal a property it's about adding value and entrepreneurship that creates a profit. 

I sourced my last loan through Guardian and checked out Union Savings as well, they were identical rates and points offered.

Does the data actually suggest an identical apartment in a housing community will yield higher rental income?

I just don't want to fall victim to a scammer or identity thief.