As you mentioned, your dollar goes much further in Louisville than it does in California, and because of that very reason I've been searching the Louisville market for investment opportunities.

You can search by state and area

As for fees other than appraisal, they estimated $600-800, but I current haven't received the breakdown.Curious if anyone has any experience w/ AndrewsFCU that they would like to share (FYI - I have done a search on BP and PM'd those who said they have experience w/ AFCU).Thanks!

I'll be "house-hacking" the property and making various improvements to the unit I'll be occupying as well as the building facades, and backyard.

I was searching for foreclosures/preforeclosures and I found a relatively cheap/"the numbers worked"I do not have a credit or capital currently and FRANKLY, I DON"T WANT TO START OFF IN A "F-" NEIGHBORHOOD SINCE I DON"T WANT TO DIE OR ALMOST DIE every time I COLLECT RENT!!!!!!

I'd love to hear about your experience searching for suitable properties.

I recently found a partner in the area to work with and we have been searching for deals and discussing how much money we would be willing to put together.   

My search has included analyzing the prices of homes in these markets, driving around the neighborhoods, checking on occupancy restrictions, student permits if required, college enrollments, crime statistics, etc.

I started out by just researching the questions I needed answers to in the search box. 9/10 times I found the answers I was looking for.

I also use vacancies as an opportunity to make little improvements.