However I dont care how much someone believes that one is coming, because it is impossible to predict.

I am saying that there are so many variables at play that no one really knows what will happen in the future, and anyone that predicts it with certainty is foolish.

The IRS has specific tests for material participation in a trade or business, and these are not tied to real estate professional status.Likelihood of IRS Audit: It's difficult to predict whether claiming material participation will invite an IRS audit.

We love models with predictable, consistent, repeatable results.

To me just too hard to predict cause I'm a fairly new investor.

This year I'm seeing much more activity in December than last, which I feel is directly related to people having closure on the election, and because rates have gone back to July 2015 levels, so people are trying to lock in "in case" they go up more (which no one can predict).

There is no way to predict your monthly income.

A straight Cap rate is in my opinion much or reliable than trying to predict appreciation in an area unless you are REALLY in touch with the local market.

Finally, condos typically have 'special assessments' that is additional fees for maintenance or repairs that they did not predict and your stuck with.With that being said, I prefer single family because its much easier to predict the holding costs, maintenance costs and the overall value of the property.My personal strategy is this.

You can also get records from the utility company on the average cost of electricity there and avg water, etc, and if it's reasonably predictable then you could keep utilities in your name.