Did I miss my chance?

[Joseph R.]

Hello,

I am preparing to purchase my first home, here in South Florida (Boca Raton) and I would like to live in this house for a year or so and then rent it out.  However, I am concerned how the home values have increased significantly in just the past few years, and about hearing reports that South Florida is in a bubble that will pop.  If I bought a house today with the way the prices are, it seems that I might not be able to make any profit when I rent it out.  I feel if I bought 5 years ago, I'd be in a great spot to be renting and having a competitive rental rate.  In a way, it feels like a wrong time to buy.  Am I wrong?

[Alexander Felice]

if you bought 5 years ago you would have made more money.

this is true regardless of when you start. 5 years from now you'll wish you started today.

Would you have preferred to start 10 years ago? what about 20? how much would you have made if you started 30 years ago?