I do glance over the STR threads as I still finance some larger STR properties.Just wanted to tell you that your posts are always well researched, insightful, and relevant.  

They really couldn’t look at the affordability problem and then the requirement to spend more on building with sustainability in mind and see the conflict?  

Haha yes, they are often the same people who spend thousands on guru education.

A lot of new investors chase “off-market” deals thinking they’re getting some unfair edge, but the reality is you’ll often spend more time—and ultimately money—trying to land one of these than just going after a solid listed deal.If capital is tight, I’d argue your time may be better spent earning and saving such as a side hustling, working in RE as an agent or assistant so you can eventually participate in more conventional deals.

The fence was leaning all over the place, there was garbage filled 4 ft deep in the air vents, and normal maintenance on almost anything was never done.The neighbors one one side were disliked by the whole neighborhood.

The reality is not that simple, that is probably what you are feeling instinctively.The concern is that capex will exceed cash flow over time.

@Scott Trench thank you for all that you have contributed over the years! 

I'd spend probably another $1.5K to fully stock the house as a mid-term rental. 

It is a reimbursement of your own money that you spend, after they review to approve the value of work and money you spent.

I posted a series of comments in this Bigger Pockets feed https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/925/topics/1164202-folsom-could-see-over-500-000-square-feet-of-new-doctor-s-offices-and-medical-clinics