It's about knowing how to leverage and utilizing those skills to purchase performing assets.Here in New York, if I simply pinch the penny I'll maybe gain an extra $6 or $7k a year. 

Instead of pinching pennies on gas, coffee, whatever else (still be reasonable with your spending and don't buy things you don't need) start figuring out how you're going to make more money.

I agree with @Anson Young , that wholesalers and flippers are feeling the pinch now.

In the end I was pinched with money and time.

Everything would need to go perfectly to pinch a small profit and I can tell you coming from a entire life of construction, IT NEVER GOES PERFECT!

@Mike Griffin Do you prefer chocolate or vanilla ice cream?

In a pinch we will take lower credit scores, those with collections, and lots of debt - But, absolutley no evictions previously.

I own several units in the area and all of them pass the 1.25% rule which I personally use in a pinch.

I also take PM "predictions" with a pinch of salt as they have skin in the game, and would rather encourage you to become their customers than not...

Pinching the pennies is for us investors :)  Good luck with your search,-ChristopherP.S.