And the reason why your "tale of two halves" will play out as you described.Demand:  This has actually been high almost all along, but rent growth hasn't materialized in response due to high levels of new supply. 

That gets worse as you get farther out of the cityTLDR: values depreciate, inflation has gone basically nowhere in Japan for a long time, the supply of housing is pretty good compared to demand (unlike the US) and that's because of flexibility with rezoning and development, taxes on rental income are high. 

.), but the bedrooms are regular keys, as @Jonathan C. mentioned for the front door, the unit is set up to send me an email when the batteries are low. i also have another student rental ( 8 rooms, 2 entry, 2 units + utility room) one master key and each bedroom has its own key that will get students in the entry, there unit, and there own bedroom. had a locksmith do that one. cost me a few hundred dollars with keying and supplying the locks ( 13 total ). i like both setups but may look into the landlord locks again for my 3rd student rental i just purchased.

Typically, co-op's are less valuable than condos for a number of reasons such as supply/demand, lack of investor interest, older units, estate planning issues, financing and board policies. 

My experience is those have been in short supply since beginning of time. 

Hi Jemini, I would start by doing research in the markets you're interested in to see what the rents vs. purchase prices are along with looking at the supply and demand of the market. 

Additionally, the supply of homes for sale is constrained because of this and will be for some time putting upward pressure on prices in most markets.Thinking about renting your house in Seattle would be wise as someone else will pay the mortgage down, and rents and the value of the property will go up over time.

Why on gods green earth if you can save on commission, gain experience, meet investors and manage your own properties would you want to invest in a market outside of where you are?

Anywhere that has consistent or slightly growing population and a decent job supply may be a good fit.

If the search produces a sea of natural earth tone pics, the one that stands out has a splash of color.