I think at best we may see small gains in some markets, but many will remain flat or continue to decline.

I just got a call from someone with a 3 flat that is fully rented, hes getting $2,400 a month in rent but owns the property free and clear and wants cash to start a business.

We got belly to belly.

Why not do a flat fee MLS listing?

There are a lot of things that I don't like in a house - like built before 1940, flat roofs, heat that is other than gas forced air, additions that aren't done right (most additions are a mess).

If not, it's unlikely that any agents will be bringing their buyers to you, as most agents don't want to deal with FSBO sellers.If you are planning to list it on the MLS, that means you'll either have a full-service agent or you'll use a flat-fee listing service.

They also supply flat head screws for the bracket which drove me nuts.

I rented a 1/1 flat from a local REI in a cute 8-unit multiplex and paid cash up front for a 6mo lease to secure a lower monthly rate.

I envision a second property being a fixer-upper, half the cost of this one, either a 2-flat or a SFH.

This concept works best with inflation.If prices fall or stay flat than going slower, saving money and prepaying loans makes sense.