If your goal is to sell in a few years there is no way to predict the end result so if you aren't comfortable taking that risk on your shoulders you probably shouldn't invest.  

My prediction is that over the next decade, as Raleigh and Charlotte become overpriced and overcrowded, Greensboro will be next to be hit with the population wave.

Roofing, siding and HVAC problems are pretty predictable cost wise.

You really can’t  predict what the tenant would want.

The more stability in a property’s income stream, the more investors are willing to pay because it behaves more like a bond with predictable income streams.

Cost can vary a lot here.Anyway, if you can afford it and easily answer your phone, I would start with direct mail as it will be the most predictable. 

One can safely predict that rate is going to go up on the reset - 5% to start, and then likely higher each reset annually.I'm debating about pulling more cash out of the refi to pay down (or potentially off) the investment property.

Based on the condition and what i'm used to looking at, It would be hard to argue his ask.Initial Numbers (combination of actuals predictive, waiting on prior actuals)Asking Price: $400,000Scheduled Rent: $3,900 Tax & Ins.: $850 Other Expenses (maint, capx, lawn, snow, etc.) $411 NOI $2,639 monthly NOI: $31,668 yearI inform the seller that is a little out of my budget with traditional financing as I was looking at that SFR only but asked if they would be willing to provide seller financing.

." - Joseph P KennedyIt is important to note that Joseph Kennedy profited from the stock market crash of 1929 by predicting it and this was how he knew it was coming.

Looking back at the last 15 years everything seems so predictable.