Bet most people are doing multifamily and mix-use and flipping  . 

So, that's something to look at.If you're looking for cashflow, I think it's a good place, but don't bet on terrific appreciation.

I would bet the company that told you the part is out of production could tell you the old price and give you a labor cost to install. 

You may not be losing money, but you have an opportunity cost because you will have to sit on the sidelines while your cash sits in that property.I think you have to consider opportunity costs when you are betting on natural appreciation.

Being facetious, but I bet that's not too far from the truth.

And yes... very sweet :-)In my mind, trying to find a place that's going to appreciate is a LOT harder and I would move from "investing" into "speculating"  There's nothing wrong with hedging your bet and doing your research and trying to make sure you're not going into an area that's *completely* going to tank, but I've found that when you start speculating on future prices, you start down the path of just what you described... one piece of information says this, another says that... and they're both at odds with each other. 

While I encourage you to network via BP, I think your best bet at this point is to find someone through your local meetups.

That's why I think it's important to work with an agent who has worked with house hackers before and therefore worked with lenders who have worked with house hackers before.I bet if @John Warren cannot help you out he can refer you an agent in your area who can!

If you're looking to flip, you need to start looking at kitchens from sold properties in the same neighborhood or price point...if they all have laminate counter tops, don't install granite.My take is to always assume an initial cash outlay to push future maintenance...like higher end finishes and appliances on the bet that they won't have issues for 10+ years.

They usually are the best bet it seems.