In fact, I recently used one of the methods from the book—where Chris Voss talks about "going negative" to soften the blow of an offer and make it more palatable.

There is compression in cap rates and multi-family rents are softening in many major metros."

Prices are softening.

Right now, all indicators are bright GREEN.Assuming you are keeping the property for 10 years, a softening market is not likely to bother you much at any rate.  

The market has softened a little for the winter so your best price would be over the next 2-3 months before the spring market heats up again.It is a really fantastic way to build a buy and hold portfolio by getting a new primary residence every 1-2 years. 

I think this may soften prices for bldgs that will need seismic work, at least in SF.

I will add that the rental prices of condos tend to be more similar to multi-family housing than SFH and in the greater Phoenix MSA a lot of new multi-family units have been built in the past couple years with more on the way, so rents have softened.

Here are a few considerations:Market Trends: The local market shows signs of softening with more homes for sale/rent and lower rent prices.Future Cash Flow: With expected rent reductions, my cash flow could drop to $950/month.Alternative Investments: I haven’t found any local deals that generate positive cash flow.

That may not happen until the market softens, but that is ok because you would buy low without selling low first and if it doesn't soften you already own a property that benefits.

I don't think I will ever fully retire but I plan to be doing less active work in the future, i.e. not focusing on writing new loans and not flipping.I am lucky that I can easily handle a down turn and be just fine if things soften even for an extended time but I still hope that doesn't happen.