In Battle Of Funky Vacancies, Which Has Most Upside?

Imagine you're in the market for a true Atlanta fixer-upper in the $150,000 range, and you don't mind getting filthy. You want a neighborhood with character and walkability, and you've narrowed it down to two options in different parts of town, each with unique shortcomings and mountainous issues with datedness. According to respective listing agents, one is an "Amazing Opportunity" in Cabbagetown while the other is the "best deal in KIRKWOOD!!" Them sound like fightin' words. So let's shove these vacant old homes into a metaphorical cage and let them scrap until one emerges victorious! It's time for Real Estate Deathmatch.

159 Wyman St. SE, Kirkwood

THE BASICS
Built: 1947
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Square feet: 1,142
Special bonus: Stroll to Coan Park, the Spotted Trotter and downtown Kirkwood
Walk Score: 63 ("Somewhat Walkable")
Listing: 159 Wyman St. SE [Estately]

This Post-War, three-bedroom home on Wyman Street in Kirkwood weighs in as the larger competitor. The agent insists it's move-in ready, but only for those who don't mind kitchens and bathrooms from the 1980s and the occasional rust stain. The Kirkwood business district isn't far away, and the large fenced yard has an oversized deck that appears to be in good shape already. The original tile flooring and handsome fireplace have irreplicable soul. The agent makes an all-caps declaration that this one — priced at $154,900 — "WON'T LAST LONG."

184 Berean Ave. SE, Cabbagetown

THE BASICS
Built: 1920
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Square feet: 1,022
Special bonus: Cabbagetown Park and Carroll Street are within a couple of blocks
Walk Score: 75 ("Very Walkable")
Listing: 184 Berean Ave. SE [Zillow]

With a $150,00 ask, this 1920 shotgun shack in Cabbagetown lacks size but has great potential for historical charm. The renovation might be a serious chore, however. At a hair over 1,000 square feet, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom abode could make a swell starting point for a young hipster or pint-sized couple, especially with its future Beltline proximity. Period details include two coal-burning fireplaces (with original mantels), tongue-and-groove walls and heart-of-pine floors. It includes those three magic words in Cabbagetown: Off. Street. Parking.