Hi Tony,If you think you can handle the applicants, and the residents who will live there, and know the danger level (and break in steal your furnace and etc... theft level) of the area--a fish knows his own pond the best.Good Luck! 

I was able to help a Swiss investor clear up title on her rural land, but the process took over 10 years.Elijah - you are correct to warn folks about the dangers of investing in Brazil, especially in rural areas.  

There is a tree on my neighbor's land that has roots coming on my land, lifting the soil and now dangerously going under my house.

Making any investment decision based on a guess about future appreciation is dangerous.

(First time, non live in homeowner, credit of 680)Seems dangerous to invest in Oakland, 5th highest crime rate in the US, I shouldn't touch it right?

I'll be going with an FHA loan, so putting little down would still be possible on these more expensive homes, but how do other investors in Westchester (or in other similar markets) know when they're getting into that "danger zone." 

Your plan to partner with an experienced GC sounds like a smart move for navigating this new territory. 

Here is what I found: According to state laws (Civil Code § 1941.1 and § 1941.3), at minimum every rental must have:-effective waterproofing and weather protection of roof and exterior walls, including unbroken windows and doors-functioning plumbing, heating, and electrical facilities, including hot and cold running water and a working toilet and kitchen sink-clean and sanitary building and grounds (that is, free of debris, filth, rubbish, garbage, rodents, and vermin), with adequate trash receptacles-well-maintained floors, stairways, and railings-deadbolt locks on certain doors and windows-no lead paint hazards, and-no nuisances, a catchall provision referring to something that is dangerous to human life, detrimental to health, or morally offensive and obnoxious, such as allowing drug dealing on the premises.If I were you I would take LOTS of pictures and document everything.

If your work offers insurance and you have to pay for it, from your picture it looks like your job may have some danger associated with it.

I allow small, non-dangerous pets and do a $250 pet deposit, regardless of flooring.