Lenders will consider 75% of the rents towards your debt to income ratio.Personally, I try not to bank on appreciation because markets fluctuate.

While rising property values can be a positive indicator of a strong real estate market, it can also make it challenging to find properties that meet your investment criteria.It is important to remember that real estate investing is a long-term strategy, and short-term fluctuations in property values should not be the sole factor in your investment decisions.

This can help mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations or changes in specific neighborhoods.Hope this helps and let me know if you'd be interested in the Midwest! 

Using leverage in stocks is dangerous, if one tries to use that max leverage one is VERY open to a margin call, having assets sold off without control if price fluctuations drop down for 48hrs.

Our towns are small and our operating budgets don’t fluctuate like larger towns do so it’s really not likely that your taxes are going up more than $2-300 any given year.

I usually pay myself a developer fee scheduled monthly throught the project- what kind of arrangement the developer can make with the owner to protect himself against market fluctuations for the land share of the deal?

By taking into account market conditions and understanding the fluctuating interest rates, you can make informed decisions that align with your long-term financial goals.

It appears the bond market continues to call BS, remaining dubious that inflation will come down rapidly (or potential labor market weakening).And those traders may be right, at least for now.Fed Fund futures are now pricing in ~4 rate cuts in 2024, down from 6+, which it has fluctuated around the past few months.

Markets fluctuate so those investments will go up and down but I still think its a better way to mitigate some of the risk than paying off properties with great loans attached to them.

I will share my "Most Expensive Lesson" in the comments.To kick things off, here are ten examples of expensive lessons or mistakes in real estate investing:Underestimated Repairs: The classic pitfall where the cost of repairs and renovations far exceeds initial estimates, impacting the overall budget and profitability.Tax Liens: Failing to account for or being unaware of existing tax liens on a property can result in unexpected financial burdens.Contractor Liens: Not settling payments or disputes with contractors can lead to liens against your property, complicating sales or refinancing.HOA Fines: Overlooking or violating Homeowners Association (HOA) rules can lead to significant fines and headaches.Bad Loan Products: Opting for loan products without fully understanding their terms can lead to unfavorable financial conditions, such as higher interest rates or unfavorable repayment terms.Ignoring Zoning Laws: Investing in a property without a clear understanding of local zoning laws may restrict its use, affecting your investment strategy.Overpaying for a Property: Lack of research or getting caught in a bidding war can result in paying much more than the property's worth.Neglecting Due Diligence: Skipping thorough inspections and background checks can uncover unpleasant surprises after the purchase is finalized.Poor Tenant Screening: Failing to properly screen tenants can lead to unpaid rent, property damage, and costly evictions.Underestimating Market Risk: Not considering market fluctuations can lead to investments that don't pay off as expected, especially in volatile or declining markets.We've all been there in one way or another, facing setbacks that seemed daunting at the time.