The other neighbors are afraid but they cheer me on from the sidelines and keep me updated on what is happening in my absence. 

Although we have more listings available, we are seeing just how many folks were sitting on the sidelines the past few years in anticipation of more duplexes for sale.

This made me feel as if I was settling, but it put me on the sidelines.

Seasoned investors could care less what the interest rates - they are more worried about profit - while the laymen sit on the sidelines waiting for (a perceived) better opportunity. 

In my view, now is a prime time to make a move in the market when others are reluctant "waiting it out" and keeping their capital on the sidelines.

Almost nothing penciled out and I wasn't interested in buying properties with negative cash or banking on the possibility of future appreciation.So I resisted buying bad deals and pretty much sat on the sidelines from 2005 to 2009 and continued to build up cash, contacts, my credit score, and my RE knowledge/education. 

The need for a sharp upward climb to 7% basically made the low inventory problem even worse when homeowners who are locked in at low 30 year rates decided to sit on the sidelines.

The population is increasing in Columbus and a lot of people are sitting on the sidelines renting before buying, so there is demand. 

I've have read many books, listened to many podcasts, and read many posts on this forum and still do so, but I sat on the sidelines for a number of years just trying to save enough money in my emergency fund before starting to save some down payment money. 

Good Point Don, but If I sit on the side lines and try to learn everything before jumping in, I might end up on the side lines forever.