Rules for appreciating markets

[Robert Mendenhall]

Hi BP!

New real estate investor here, moving for work and looking to get my first deal in Columbus, OH with my VA loan. I've been reading every book on here I can find, but they all seem to be from a few years ago when the economy was much different. They all seem to live or die by the 1%, 4%, 50% or whatever rule. Im sure its still possible to find those deals. But in what i assume to be an appreciating market, and in my situation is it realistic to follow those rules? Using max leverage with no money down, occupying one side, and the long term goal of wealth. Im not on a time crunch so i can be patient, but is it realistic to expect those number? Would it be beneficial to wait for the "home run" or to use different parameters and get a "base hit".