NET of *all* expenses, management fee, maintenance, future maintenance - I think it's a realistic 3.5% yearly return and it seems like there is not a shortage of tenants, and rents have indeed risen.3.5% is certainly not my goal in life....but I figured this is better than 1.5% that cash earns in low-risk accounts, so why not 3.5% in a low risk house.  

Those who have put off projects, and are now starting, will still find a lack of labor, longer timelines, inventory shortages or delays, higher costs from last year 10%-20%, more regulation, building/energy code increases, SDC increase costs.  

There also has been a terrible shortage of rentals in the area this year (there were only 4 available when I last listed one of my properties; city is Southern Pines, NC).

If your rental is reasonably nice you'll have no shortage of potential renters.

There's a huge shortage of rental housing countywide, so rents have really jumped in the past year or so as the vacancies come on the market.   

Some investors I know are trying to build as quick as they can as houses have been selling as quick as they can get them up despite the rise in building costs and occasional slow downs due to temporary shortages of materials. 

It's foolhardy to even look at property that is higher than you can qualify for as it would have been bidded higher thus you would be paying 10 or 20 down to make up the shortage.

You're in great company with the BP community, and there are no shortage of people to learn from.

BTW, Theres paint shortages so confirm that they have a good source even SW has been tight on some of their products.

Meanwhile, there hasn't been a cooling of rental prices in this area as we continue to have a shortage of rentals.