Over the whole year we have had higher listings than the previous year (the last several years have had lower and lower inventory each year).

However, if your goal is cash flow, it might be tougher because of the higher prices and lower RTP ratios.

A good example of this might show high return for a house in Detroit that is 100 years old, next to a GM plant, vs lower return for a 10 year old house next to the Tesla plant in Taylor, TX.   

For beginners, focus on markets with lower entry costs, high investor activity, and steady demand—like parts of the Midwest or the Southeast.

this will just set you back.i don't know what time you have available to dedicate to RE - if you are able, you could try to build a team and explore a market within a couple hours of you with a lower price point. 

When you convert an asset to Roth you have to get a third party valuation and often they come in at a major discount..25-60% so your taxable amount is way lower than the actual conversion.  4. 

Chris...The property is paid off...currently sitting empty...with needed minor repairs.Trying to deferr Capital Gains Tax liability until my earned income is lower in retirement.Would this change your mind?

Since 1031 is tax deferral, I assume the gain is calculated with the likely substantially lower basis from the pre 1031 property acquisition + additional cost over the years.And yes, recapture all depreciation ( on both prop before and after 1031) make sense.

Hello  @Thomas Sheehan,If your goal is to invest in an apartment where you don't have to concern yourself with maintenance and cap Ex, this deal (or perhaps another with similar rents and lower price) could make sense.The downside to deals like this is that your rents could eventually hit a ceiling as newer apartments (some with more amenities) become available.

However, as you mentioned, the lender is referring to Fannie Mae guidelines that say PMI can't be removed until after a two-year seasoning period, even if the renovations themselves have lowered the LTV.Fannie Mae's Policy on PMI Removal: Generally, Fannie Mae guidelines allow for PMI removal if the LTV drops to 80% or below and the homeowner requests it after the loan has seasoned (usually 2 years).