Many reasons here, but the most common is they went into deal with short term floating rate debt at a market peak.

We have one in Chicago that would work through the things you're lacking for a purchase and offer a first time buyer grant!

A seller's market speaks to the overall rate at which houses are selling / being listed.

It wouldn't hurt checking out a DSCR loan as these rates are beating conventional products in a lot of cases right now.

The first 10 years of my investing I would have completely suggested against doing what I am doing now.

It is a buy and hold investment property recently remodeled.current land approx $250Kcurrent home $250K - 300K Depending on your rental rate, you might want to look at the DSCR rental loans, the advantage to getting a loan vs. selling, is 1 you don't pay taxes on the loan amount, 2. your property continues to cash flow, and appreciate. 

The rate alone will be above 9% and in most cases its stops the property from DSCR cash flow ratio of 1.00% or higher depending on lender.

.- Neighborhoods to Avoid: Are there any areas that I should steer clear of due to high crime rates, low property values, or other red flags?

They canceled the first two inspections and now I'm running out of time if there are any issues.

From flipping houses to rentals ask me anything message me, maybe at some point I can help you find your first flip or Rental.