In my experience, most agents aren't going to be helpful here (some exceptions).You can ballpark these things after getting some data:Rent:  use the sites  you think you're future tenant will use to find you as a landlord (Zillow, Rent.com, a big property manager in your area, Craigslist) and look for similar places in similar neighborhoods. 

I don't have 20% to put down on a $160,000 triplex or fourplex and the lower cost associated with townhomes is why I think it would be a better fit for me.

Is a 2000sqft house in this neighborhood worth a $500k after rehab?

House is mid 70’s along with the rest of the neighborhood. 2.

Boyle Heights has been on my radar for the past few months since the MFR fit my budget.

I am currently leaning more towards multifamily because running the numbers in my head it seems to make more sense, however, it seems more multifamily homes are located in “bad” neighborhoods and I am wondering if it’s really worth the risk.

So to begin I’ve been trying to review MLS listings daily and I just contacted my realtor to get Hot Sheets emailed for properties that fit what I’m looking for.

Thanks for the input applying note investing to this situation.I'll pass all this info along to the friend in this specific situation to let him do as he sees fit. 

If you were asked you to perform an in-depth market research analysis for single family investment properties in a market you were unfamiliar with, where would you start and what processes would you employ to acquire data regarding which neighborhoods would offer the best return and stability?

If you were asked you to perform an in-depth market research analysis for single family investment properties in a market you were unfamiliar with, where would you start and what processes would you employ to acquire data regarding which neighborhoods would offer the best return and stability?