In order to determine the viability of a development, feasibility studies in addition to appraisals are used.   

I’ve seen some of your signs around.

All signs point to a bit of a tipping point in many markets....on the bright side, that may be a sign of a buyer's market for a change 

Yes you will have to put hundreds of hours of your own time into it instead of merely signing a check, but that's where the profit is.On my most recent flip the seller had multiple contractor bids done and was quoted a minimum of $150k for a rehab.

Regular landscaping/yard care (mowing, edging, trimming, fertilizer, weed control) will be provided by ____(check one)____ [   ] Landlord  [   ]  Tenant .For all Tenants:a.Tenant agrees to keep yards, walkways, patios and decks clear and to keep premises free of junk and debris.b.Tenant accepts liability for all landscape damage and/or replacement of such, if caused by neglect, abuse or lack of water.c.Tenant may plant the beds adjacent to their dwelling to their liking, but only with those plants that are of appropriate size and type for the beds.All plants brought or caused to be brought to the property by Tenant will be cared for by Tenant.d.Tenant agrees not to cut or prune trees, hedges and shrubs.This will be Landlord’s responsibility.e.Tenant agrees to properly dispose of all plant debris and agrees to not leave such on the property.f.Landlord will consider special Tenant requests for planting and removal of plants, shrubbery and trees, but reserves the right to determine the make-up of the landscaping.g.Tenant agrees not to grow marijuana on the premises, indoors or outdoors.For Tenants of single family homes only: a.Tenant agrees to mow, water, and keep the grass, lawn, flowers and shrubbery thereon in good order and condition, applying fertilizers and weed retardant as needed. b.If Tenant fails to keep the landscaping in good order and to follow these guidelines, Landlord reserves the right to hire a landscaping service at Tenant’s expense (after a 10-day notice to perform covenant).c.Landlord reserves the right to restore the landscaping to its initial condition, as it was at the time Tenant began occupancy, or if improved during Tenant’s occupancy, to the level of such improvement.

My advice would be to buy as many properties through the LLC as you can with cash, and then go back to the portfolio lenders after you have tenants in place with signed lease agreements and do cash-out refinances. 

Does it have a yard sign? 

21217 seems to have some promising areas, but the differences in value are so drastic from block to block so I wasn't sure of how to determine which might be a good spot.I have been looking off and on for a property for the past 6 months but haven't been able to move forward with anything (either odd things have happened with the sellers or someone else swooped in just before me).

Trying to determine a consistent, low cost lead generation strategy and sticking with it.I find myself dipping into using different lists (tax delinquent, code violations) and driving for dollars and also looking to do bandit signs.I need to pick a strategy and stick with it until I get my first deal or 2, then use some of the money to start a direct mail campaign which is a common them among the successful wholesellers on the BP podcasts.

You could sign contracts with him that would prevent him from going around you, but then again build the relationship and there should be no reason he's not happy to pay a fee for bringing him the property.Also, keep in mind your fee doesn't have to be huge, or even proportional to the size of the project.