When I do get one, it will need to generate some cash on normal months (e.g., after property management fees, but not taking into account maintenance). 

Also, if there is anyone in Springfield Missouri that I could offer my energy and motivation to in return for information, I would love to talk with you!     

Again, welcome and the best things in life are hobbies that generate a profit.

Or at least it would mean longer for needing to save up to get the foam insulation done, which alone would increase the value of the home by at least 25% for the energy savings.

This will generate two separate transactions:A to B (Your Seller selling the property to you)B to C (Your Buyer buying the property from you)This way your buyer will not know how much you got the property under contract for, and the seller or buyer will not know how much you are making on the transaction. 

I do not know about the specific area mentioned here other than the news stories.What I do know from talking with lots of investors is that the cold and rust belt states except for urban core in a lot of instances are dying off.I see many retail centers going dark, home values falling, older generations are migrating away to warmer climate states.I am sure there are some absolute gem areas in the colder climate states with pockets to invest in.

Hi @Alan Lambkin glad to know that the Worcester multis are viable and can generate income.

Over time, I've proven to my lender that I know what deals to work and how I will go about generating cash flow from a rental.  

I'd look at 4-plexes as well - same type of loan and you get one more income-generating unit. 

My plan is to buy enough rental properties in the Midcity area of Baton Rouge to generate enough cashflow to be able to quit my job and try my hand at flipping.