As a new investor located in south florida that is looking to begin investing in RE, how do you think I should determine whether the better timing to invest in my local market is now or down the road given these price spikes???

An older building with the repairs can wipe out any cash flow for years.If you are investing this kind of money you really need to partner with someone in your area to be your advocate and show you things you do not know to look for.If any utilities are paid by the landlord is a huge one.With inflation coming around the corner utilities could spike and annual rent increases would not follow at the same pace.This would make you have diminishing returns over time.It would be better to have utilities on the tenants paying it as the cost would be paid by them and you preserve your margins.

Electric can also spike in the summer with A/C.

With the economy at a standstill there is a massive spike in missed payments, missed rent and unemployment.

I hope to ride the inflationary "value" spike...

Hi All, I recently had my rental property's water bill spike and have had an accidental flood in the past year. 

Inventory is low, prices have spiked for two years running, and even the market pros are anticipating something changing real soon.

@Shane M.I know the thread is a bit dated...but I'm seeing a spike in calls regarding "QRP" from people that (a) think it's something other than a Solo 401k and (b) are being told that they're the ideal candidate for said QRP, even though they don't have business income.How did things turn out for you?

Such as the tenant complained the heating bill spiked up.  

If rates spike up and you pay back your borrowed portion within 2-3 months your risk to the market was fractional/marginal as opposed to a buy and hold your risk and interest rate sensitivity to the market is prolonged and can eat away at the spread you're earning on the buy and hold.