@Spencer HerrickIn my area, pretty much every house listed is a foreclosure for sale at the trustee auction downtown at the court house steps and cannot be purchased directly through the website.

Mike Brogan downtown OKC is pretty good at owner finance.  

In Durham, if you could make it work with zoning and price, a brand new 4-plex or other multi would likely rent easily to college students, even though downtown looks saturated with new big rental buildings now. 

Here's more statsBuilt in 1954, one owner (his parents)How is in great shape minus few little thingsHas solar thats totally paid forClassic blast from the past decor, probably late 90's style.1800 sq ft4 bedrooms2 bathsAddition of 3 season enclosed patio with pellet heaterAppliances all in good shape, water heater is the oldestDecent area of town, about 10-15 minutes from downtown DenverTaxes are $1604I ran a fake rental ad, and think I can safely get around $2300 a month.  

@Ryan Fitzhugh My wife and I just purchased a triplex near downtown St Petersburg.

I am originally from North Carolina and living in beautiful downtown Brooklyn, NY.

My business for a beach property is 80% vrbo 20% airbnb,  while for downtown LA it's the other way around.

Let's start with a downtown LOL ... 3 professional sports teams, being on a great lake, much better architecture, much better hospitals, etc. etc.

An A area would be, think Malibu or a very hot downtown location.  

If you like downtown living, there are probably some large apartments you can buy that are right in the middle of everything in the Gay St. or Market Square area.