I can tell you if they are FHA, conventional, or owner financing dominant areas, if they're slow, if they're hot, if these two blocks suck compared to the rest of the area, if an oversized house will sell for the average square foot price(sometimes they will), what it will rent for, if you need a single garage or a 2 car or even a driveway, will you need central heat and air, if most of the houses are brick or brick veneer or siding, 1 bath or 2, rear access to the house, if a tenant will need a gun and a knife to fit in or a beamer and a rolex, if you will need to speak Spanish to buy stuff at the convenient store or Vietnamese, Ebonics, Hick, or absolute proper English.

OK, I haven't done any rehabs or had this problem yet but I've heard a few tips from local investors may help.One rehabber here invests in South Central LA - the war zone - and puts a lamp and a radio inside the house on a timer.

Cost $7k.2) The central air conditioner and furnace are original.

None of the basements are well insulated and have no central heating.

I ask because this is a very possible situation for me soon.I do not believe that most inherited tenants will ever see the new LL as the authority figure. 

I have learned so much by their high quality articles and authors.

Hey BPers, I am mainly flipping and renting in Central Ohio but I received a lead on a solid deal in Findlay Ohio this morning.  

Just wondering what authority do building  officials really have.

Can you connect with the local authorities to see what you CAN do with it before you buy it?

If you were already experienced or very savvy about the area and market, then perhaps it could work, but I foresee far too many problems especially when you're in a scenario where a stroke of bad luck could ruin you financially.I'd suggest looking into the greater central valley, specifically Sacramento.