If property appreciates, then that is the icing on the cake.Cash Flow is nice, but if you are really about returns, whether they're rental income or market appreciation, you need both cash flow and appreciation.A savvy investor sees opportunities for forced appreciation, a growing/recovering market (market appreciation), and cash flow.If CF=dividend, and Market appreciation=stock price...wouldn't you want both?

I made a good chunk of money trading a couple of stocks I got lucky on finding but I also lost a lot.

Looking at listing may not need full rehab, new roof and water heater done, 3br in neighbor run 900 to 1000, rehab for low maintenance, try to buy as low as you can , look at comps, probably could go in as low as 38-42 with good agent and stress as is, maybe a few agents here to help, get one to give you good numbers not listing agent numbers , street is a nice one for area, not much back yard or parking but nice front, before you close make sure vacant  contingent, if numbers work I would do it, the are predicting an abundance of rentals avail next year with building craze but keeping expense low you should be safe, remember don't rehab as if you are living there, think durable and repaintable, number should go into systems and structure first, elect,heat,walls, windows,floors,plumbing, if you use a contractor go with one you know or work with someone in area to keep an eye on progress, good luck at least you know some of the history of the property

I am wondering if I should rent and invest my money in stock market or buy rental properties?

I wish we could bring back beatings and public stocks.

My dad is into investing into the stock market, but that is something I just don't have an interest in learning about at the moment or had the cash for!  

I know we can't predict when this will happen but since we know it will happen why does it matter so much?

And - really shaking my head on this one - why would you NOT be looking at notes and other types of investments that could not only be something for your money to do while waiting for their next outing as a down-payment on a rental but could actually speed you to that destination by growing your money pretty predictably?

I would definitely recommend doing your due diligence on any property you are looking at and get all of the information on it that is available to the public before even making an offer.The tough part about doing fix and flips in this market is that you can never really predict where the market will go.

Could have been self install but I'm paying the installers about $1/sq ft.My problem with Home Depot is that no matter how good Allure Ultra may be, HD flooring desk staff in this store are totally clueless about the product, its stock situation, and its accessories (transitions, stair nose, etc and couldn't care less about serving a customer.