BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

It often delays or even halts the project.

Also, focus on 2 years of job/income stability.Class D Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciationVacancy Est: 20%+ should be used to cover nonpayment, evictions & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores under 560 (almost 30% probability of default), little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, recent evictions.

I’ve done my calculations and have seen that I will be breaking even with this investment day one.

Even in 2008 home prices slightly dipped about 16% or so for a short time.  

Even a great deal can turn sour if the area isn’t aligned with your goals.What’s been your biggest hesitation about getting started?

Markets with disproportionately high new construction, like Austin, TX, will see rent growth pace behind inflation or even (again) fall slightly on average.

Even if the property is short, a contract with a buyer, even subject to short sale approval, should work. 

Many developers leave the tubs without even a hanging rod which looks incomplete.

Each potential buyer has come to their own conclusion that it would be too much hassle and risk to manage in this fashion vs a traditional rental even though the average cap rate in our area has been half that at best.