Crystal Balls are hard to find :).  

Crystal Musser, I am looking mainly in the Mechanicsburg, New Cumberland area.

The Price-to-Rent ratio is something that is becoming more top of mind, but I'm not sure where these markets are, or where they might be 3-5 years from now.Any crystal balls out there? 

My first deal was in the 90s, and hubby's boss bought his in the 1980s.There is no "rate crystal ball," but we can look at past cycles.

Chicago is an awesome city but as @Crystal Smith mentioned, it has 77 neighborhoods and each one is a bit unique so you'll definitely want to do your homework.

UNLESS everyone has a crystal ball ( you have been lucky enough to have LOL ) and pricing is still rising . % wise I will take 60- 80K all in with 18k gross net about 12, all day, vs 1 mill with 50k grossish  All the best Jay, :)

I do not have a crystal ball. 

I know nobody has a crystal ball, just looking for some thoughts on the best way to play this.Thanks 

While I expect that to continue to fluctuate and slowly rise over time, I don't think (no crystal ball here!)

If you buy for appreciation first, you might have to wait a long time for that appreciation to come, and at the end of the day none of us have a crystal ball.