I don't want to drive into a neighborhood I don't feel safe in AT NIGHT -IF I ever have to check on something at the property or pick up the rent -rare, but happens).FINDING TGE RIGHT PROPERTY IS KEY.It is very possible with common sense, research, your personal knowledge of the Raleigh area to FIND a house in great shape (needing only cosmetic touchups and yard work)that is under-priced and in a highly appreciating section of Raleigh.My GOLD STANDARD PROPERTY to buy in the past was a minimum:HOUSE with 3Br 2Ba 2 car garage, 1400 sqft MINIMUM.But ALL home prices in Charlotte have gone UP.

The previous landlord did not implement any routine rent raise schedule.What was the outcome?

Is it normal/okay to contact or knock on the doors of those properties to take a look on the inside to compare/contrast the differences between the comps and your prospective property (e.g. one has newer countertops, was built 10 years more recently, is more structurally and cosmetically superior, etc.)? 

It fits my criteria - single family, in good condition, newer build, desirable neighborhood, could do with some updating/cosmetic work which I can handle, and there is expandability in that the basement is partially-finished and could double the useable space. 

My risk tolerance is medium to low and I am looking for properties that may need some cosmetic rehab but not too much.Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. 

They'll put you through a full 12 months of constant repairs after routine breakdowns - often when the part they replaced is the one that breaks.

I did minimal cosmetic work to the interior and had the exterior painted.

A townhome that needs cosmetic touch up has been on market for a while now and wondering maybe I will be the last one to place an offer.

Keep in mind this is JUST for labor (no materials), and the property is dirty but just needs a relatively simple cosmetic rehab.

Cured deferred maintenance (overgrown landscaping, peeling paint, tilted mailboxes), cosmetic work including interior and exterior paint, rebuild of patio fencing, striping of parking lot.