I agree rates will go up a skosh but wth so much EU uncertainty and issues in China I see a moderate increase.  

(I would say our risk tolerance is moderate to slightly aggressive, and our long-term goal is to have passive income.)

I also was previously roommates with a friend and that worked out well enough.My question is, would there be any merit in looking for a moderately nice duplex to house hack in this market?

Still have a lot of things to learn, but already moderately successful.The problem is that I have trouble finding good properties in Baltimore County.  

Essentially the only types of investments that may not be held inside an IRA or a 401k are the following:Artwork,Rugs,Antiques,Metals - with exceptions for certain kinds of bullion,Gems,Stamps,Coins - (but there are exceptions for certain coins),Alcoholic beverages, andCertain other tangible personal property.

Perhaps the moderators will consolidate this thread by incorporating the thread on the other forum that this poster started and which has since become bifurcated.

What I can tell you is that you'll never learn what will happen to you if you buy a house that was deeded over by a municipality with a reversion deed to a developer for low moderate income housing 15 years ago and you improve it and rent at market rates........reading RE investor forums and public blogs or guru videos.If quickly means in a few minutes, or hours, as I bet many do, that doesn't say much to the devotion or interest of someone being very serious about wanting to build a business or profession.      

His wife doesnt work, but i think when getting the alcohol under control she has the ability to step up.Does anyone here have links i can show him that have simple breakdowns and arguments to why he should buy (and buy right) vs rent.

Another bump- please review moderator.

Mortgage Rates Hold Ground as Oil Prices SlideMortgage rates held their ground fairly well today, despite moderate weakness in underlying bond markets (which normally translates to higher rates).