Appreciation = Specilation/Gambling.We have little control over the factors that affect it, albeit for making improvements that will force it to compare with other likenpropetoes that are in a higher bracket.

This is a critical factor that I am weighing as the $400k invested with assumed market return is equivalent to $1,600 in cash flow (4% rule).

While algorithms can analyze data at scale, real estate isn’t just about numbers—it’s about nuances and the most important component of real estate is understanding its value, and that to me (maybe I am old school) but can only be done by physically visiting and walking the property.So for me, factors like local market conditions, property inspections, and borrower credibility can’t be fully captured in a formula.

You'll have to factor that into the holding costs as well. 

When I do a seller financed deal, I'm looking at a pretty broad range of factors.

Quentin, build your knowledge, make sure all this is done correctly.Banks rarely call the loan just because of the deed being transferred, something else triggers this, mostly because the investor decides education is not worth the money.It can be because the Insurance was not done correctly, the seller does not understand the process, the Title Company does not know what to do so they call the Bank and make a mess out of the process and a few other factors,If the investor is knowledgeable on what to say to the Bank if they call this is a fairly simple conversation to have.

Your time is a huge factor in this, Nathan has a great post above that provides in fine detail here. 

See the chart from Fair Isaac Company (FICO) below: FICO Score Pct of Population Default Probability 800 or more 13.00% 1.00% 750-799 27.00% 1.00% 700-749 18.00% 4.40% 650-699 15.00% 8.90% 600-649 12.00% 15.80% 550-599 8.00% 22.50% 500-549 5.00% 28.40% Less than 499 2.00% 41.00% Source: Fair Isaac CompanyAccording to this chart, investors should use corresponding vacancy+tenant-nonperformance factors of approximately 5% for Class A rentals, 10% for Class B and 20% for Class C.To address Class C payment challenges, many industry "experts" are now selling programs to newbie investors about how Section 8 tenants are the cure.

Covering the mortgage isn’t an issue, but I’m considering factors like: Multi-Family: House hacking would help offset costs right away, but I’d likely need to put money into renovations upfront.Single-Family: Easier move-in with no immediate renovations needed, plus potentially lower tenant turnover once I rent it out For those who have been in a similar situation, what did you choose and why?

I've walked through a property with a wholesaler and when I walked in I told him the ceiling height here is a big factor for resale and I can't use the comps he sent me.