I can volunteer my time and energy in exchange for real estate knowledge. 

Again, going back to basic economics, it’s the ability to purchase is low, making demand low, then prices fall.Jay, just out of curiosity, what would you consider a prudent amount of leverage to be?

I tried getting a HELOC since I had so much equity, but I stopped looking after a couple of banks because I did not have the energy.  

Very efficient units with LED lighting throughout make energy bills very low!!

It depends on your climate, you might do an energy audit or just switch to electric, it doesn't seem too out of line for four units though $35 ish dollars per month depending on the size of the unit and how much they use the climate control.

It's an old home, in a more rural, economically depressed area.

We are both hard workers/high energy (not necessarily incredibly handy) and wouldn't mind doing the lion's share of the work by ourselves.

If rentals, I would come a little further into Frederick where there is much more economic stability, better tenants and a promising growth. 

Until then, nobody can help you and all these posts are a waste of time and energy.

I think it’s more likely we experience an economic recession then we do housing pricing drop.