Don't trust certified funds either.When I get my commission checks from a closing attorney or receive a cashiers check my bank waits a few days for it to clear.They have seen fraudulent cashiers checks and have seen social security checks even bounce before from the government.For cash have a pen checker for counter fit bills.It's wild in today's times for sure.

I agree Mike...The tax policy Texas has isn't subject to wild swings like it is in other states.

I noticed you are in California.Many investors are not purchasing there that live there.They are looking at Florida,Georgia,etc. where you can buy multiple properties cheap that cash flow well.California tends to be more of a speculative market where the markets can swing wildly and many take a gamble on appreciation.You just need to define what you want your plan to be.About what range do you have to put down??

What is the major solution that people can propose that doesn't cause wild swings in the business cycle?

There seems to be wildly conflicting opinions on this though from the people I've spoken with.

So depending on what you are buying your overall discount can vary wildly, from 5% to 15% at the most.

J has some great bullets above...many of which are educational for me.Taxing dividends twice is the definition of stupidity and you end up getting elaborate buyback schemes and wild swings in the market as a result.

The most important and the wild card in this deal is the retail.

I can't wait to finally be a landlord, this first one has been a WILD ride.

Rents are at or around the $400 per unit mark.I'm not real wild about the triple but I didn't want my own prejudices in the way of determining the best deal given the basic situation.