If you make the apartments look nice then you will get a higher rent, if the apartments are dated then you will get a lower rent.I would make sure that the school system (K-12) is at least okay if not desirable, then people will move into the city/town. 

Being 15-20 min to the JSQ PATH is still pretty desirable, and there are a lot of spots that aren't techincally in Journal Square that are still 15-20 min walking distance to the train.People are starting to look into the area, and tenants are starting to overlook some of the things that used to be a huge concern.

In that case likely 25% down to buy a property as an investor.If it's a small franchisee I want to see a higher cap or 2 to 2.5% annual increases because a lender will likely want a higher DSCR and 35% down to offset risk of the less desirable guaranteed operator.If you are not willing to put in annual increases that are hefty to land the best locations then you will need to settle for the less desirable locations to structure the lease the way you want or lose out to national companies.Two opposing forces are your risk as a growing restaurant and my risk as a developer.You might or might not see restaurants as wanting to split out risk.

In speaking with potential retail tenants, a couple have expressed the desire to own rather than lease their space.

First, it is my desire to give back to new investors as I can based on my experiences, both positive and not-so-positive. 

I've also made a commitment to myself to come out of my shell and shed my introverted skin, so I'll be attending my first real estate investment group meeting on Wednesday.I'm nervous, but my desire to create a passive income stream so that I can quit my job burns stronger than my fear.

If you just want to invest in real estate, you don't need to get a license.If you are interested in working in real estate and desire to get a license, you will want to do some studying on the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission's website to learn the process for obtaining a license.

My 14 year old is the one who has the most desire to do this thing and is also a little reserved, so your advice would be especially vital for him.

Other tenants can reduce the desirability of a duplex.  

Have had a strong desire to invest for many years and looking to network with like minded people.