kelso area questions (Spokane, Rochester, Kalama: real estate market, lease, crime)

[symboliq]

Greetings from Spokane. I left the Oly/Rochester area in 2001. I may potentially have the opportunity to relocate back to the "wet" side next year following a professional level employment opportunity. Being that I'll move over there with my daughter, temporarily leaving my husband in Spokane with our home, I have several questions regarding the Kelso, Kalama, etc. real estate market.

First, using the MLS, I see several homes in the 140-175 range that I would definitely consider (3+/1.75+). I know there is a crime and poverty issue in Kelso and the surrounding area. Will a manufactured out in the country or an older home in an established neighborhood that is not necessarily snooty but safe, clean, and affordable fall within my range?

Lastly, being that I'll have my spouse and mortgage in Spokane, is the market desperate enough that people are willing to lease option empty homes rather than have them sit? This seems like a good idea being that we may decide to stay in this area after I live there several years and test it out. I currently own an 1895 Victorian close to Downtown Spokane and love older homes. I am not particularly fond of the tract, cookie cutter houses at all.

Thanks in advance to any realtors or knowledgable others who can contribute to these questions. mod cut: email address removed