If you haven't tried already, I'd run a pre-approval by someone local in the backyard you're looking in.

We've passed final inspection and will be looking to do a cash-out refi ASAP.The last part of the renovation will be to build an unpermitted 12x10 "casita" with bathroom in the back yard. 

Do you suggest we stay and invest in our own backyard of NJ? 

Recently had a chance to hear Dan Gilbert speak and asked him where he saw Detroit in its recovery (mind you this Guy has $1B+ invested in the city) if it were an inning in baseball, he said we haven’t hit the top of the second.I think a major reason the population is declining is because Detroit is shedding its outer layers in massive quantities.

Purchase price: $300,000 Cash invested: $300,000 We built an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in our backyard.

I was in the same boat as you a few months ago, needing to decide whether to go out of my market/backyard due to higher prices or go out of state.

I’ve read David Greene’s Long-Distance REI, among other books, and understand that a good investor shouldn’t limit his or herself to their own backyard, though between the network I have in West Michigan and my basic understanding of which areas are good/bad/on-the-rise, I want to get started there.

I have a single-family house with a fenced backyard and a detached garage.

I will have common lighting in the front, in the backyard and on the deck, and on the rooftop.

I'd try to find something with a fenced in back yard and allow pets.