I'm an earl-30's family guy, financially stable and fully employed as an engineer here in town.

I got a quote to build a "Houston desirable" 2000 sq ft town home with 500 sq ft garage apartment from a "off the shelf" floor plan for $300k on my own lot.

@Casey Sung the Pittsburgh market is a very stable and safe market to invest as long as you are patient and wait for the right deal. 

Or are you trying to park money in incredibly stable real estate to create a tax shelter and fund your eventual retirement 30-40 years down the road?

There's a large speed bump on my road there, however, because my work has not been stable during this year (business closed, then I got a summer job that just ended, and now I'm looking for employment again).

Our twin duplex is rented out and we like both of our tenants as they're dependable, stable, and relatively long-term, at least for the next 3-5 years.

The commercial (retail/office) space is 100% occupied by stable local and regional tenants at below-market rents."

I am not looking to earn a lot on this flip as it's quite cheap but if I can do it successfully, then I would've gained experience and a bit of cash too.have you looked at rural Japan.. same numbers much more stable environment for flipping..  

Both tenants had been there for more than 5 years so I wrongfully assumed both were stable. 

As the market gets stronger and rates increase, having a property that is renovated, stable and cash flowing might turn out to be a great long term hold for you.