is it possible to put 70k down on a house in a cashflow or appreciation market?

[Alex Clark]

What market can I see any return with 70k down I look in a lot of places and hardly see any deals where would you guys recommend to invest with that amount down? Looking to get my first rental

[Teri Feeney Styers]

If you are borrowing the balance and you are an investor buyer then that amount of cash will get you into a $300-$350k property @8% interest.  What does that buy in your area and what would it rent for? What's your net after all expenses and some cap ex savings? Do you come out ahead at all? Can you buy a cheaper property and set aside $20k for upgrades and to force equity? $70k is a lot of money but you are correct  - in these times you gotta be more strategic if you want any cashflow at all. 

[Bill Brandt]

You forgot to put your location in your profile. There are a TON of tiny/small towns in MN where $70k will buy you a house outright that will definitely cash flow. Probably most of a duplex with a tiny loan. But if you don’t live in the Midwest, it isn’t for you. You’ll lose your shirt  

Don’t forget your alternative. You can put that money in the bank and earn $300/mo guaranteed. In today’s market, buying for cash flow is a fool’s errand.  If you aren’t appreciating, you’re losing money. 

[Benjamin Aaker]

In real estate, you need to be thinking long term. I recommend you look to small multifamily near you for your first rental. Multifamily generally doesn't have the same retail pressure, so right now, the deals are better, though you still need to spend a lot of time finding the right one.