For us it’s  the neighborhood average to base tax collection on.

I have a duplex in South east Minneapolis that I bought for 179k in 2014, which I'm very familiar with the neighborhood and have been quite successful with tenants and cash flow/appreciation.  

Can they just change the amount as they see fit? 

So they are not a good fit for me.

Is this a viable opportunity or am i trying to make the pieces fit where they don't?

I actually have a buy & hold property right in your neighborhood! 

In some neighborhoods if they go vacant, there could be tens of thousands of dollars of vandalism.

Look on craigslist or other local ad resources for houses in the neighborhood. 

Hi BP Community, I have an opportunity to purchase my grandmother's home in a very nice Nashville neighborhood.

You have to look for portfolio product which fit your need.