Real estate investor soon to be

[Lee Lim]

Hi,

I've joined and creating this post on behalf of my father, who is planning to invest in real estate here in northern virginia, particularly in the falls church/arlington/alexandria area.  He is willing to purchase and put down at least 150k on a 500k+ home, less if we're lucky.  Then our realtor will find a tenant to rent out for 1-2 year, then sell it if the price is appreciated.  I would like to know if anyone who lives in the DMV area has success in this?  As far as I know, houses here are appreciated like crazy and forecast to reach higher.  It doesn't have to be in the DMV, but just wanted to know some experience or feedback is appreciated.