Thus, this makes it difficult to find cash-flowing properties (at least on market) unless I search for properties farther out into the "undesirable" areas of Utah.

Frankly, there is a laundry list of items that make Atlantic City, and NJ as a whole, undesirable for investment but we're being very conservative.....buying for cash flow now in areas that have the greatest likelihood for appreciation. 

However in saying so, I don't want to build a bad property with an undesirable floorplan.

Those questions should be made to weed an undesirables out.

Interesting thread and I like every response that I've read.This speaks to the timidity of would-be, new investors who consider approaching off-market owners/principals directly.At the root of this is fear: Fear of undesirable consequences, legal, financial, etc.Have you ever petted a snake for the first time?

I have no peripheral vision.

I think the key here, is finding a solution or tweaking your current solution so that it is UNDESIRABLE for them to walk away.

They are probably in undesirable areas, will never appreciate in value, always need repairs, take forever to rent and involve pulling teeth to collect the rent.I have bought the majority of my deals from the MLS.

Unless that is market I would wonder why it is so undesirable to the market.

In my town, even going over the railroad tracks put you into an undesirable neighborhood and the prices drop.