That value over the last 21 years has fluctuated from $68,000 on up to $225,000.  

I will also have to keep a buffer for rent fluctuations but for now rent and property values are still increasing in the area.As far as cash reserves I also have a good paying W2 job and could keep afloat if times turned.

Bill was posting more from an institutional lender standpoint, while others went with he private lender aspect.For me, I want to see proof of experience, some skin in the game (fluctuates per deal and per borrower), and a LTV not to exceed 70% based on my own calculations of value, not borrowers or borrowers agent opinion.Credit score is irrelevant to me but proof of funds and track record are.I will also require evidence of hazard insurance with me named as additionally insured along with a $1M liability coverage.

I'm curious about ways to offset oil price rises. Being a stock market investor, I would think it might be possible to prudently hedge oil a bit, even partially, by either buying options or investing in an oil ETF (e...

Real estate market is fluctuating right now and it will take some time before things become stable again.

I choose to keep all the profits from my US based investments in Dollars so currency fluctuations are not really a concern for me.

Does it fluctuate based on seasonality?

To quote the great James Pierpont Morgan when asked what the market would do, "It will fluctuate." 

Yazoo clay is a type of soil that moves and fluctuates.

Also realize currency fluctuations can add a risk factor.Good luck