I have a portion of my stock portfolio where I bet on dips or try to anticipate a market.

I'll take a drive up this weekend.Definitely would like to pick someones brain about locations and demographics.Don't want to end up in a C or D neighborhood.

(Of course, if this is on Craigslist, then there may be tons around anyway.)

Would you rather own a far-flung home with a 12 year old roof & a/c, or an older home, closer to jobs & services with a one year old roof & a/c?

If you fund you can hold the loan with some wholesalers if you want to bet on interest rates.

Class A & B properties in a primary market have low cap rates because they're less risky than a Class C or D property. 

Obviously you seem well versed - just double check that cash flow and don't bet on appreciation for too long.

Of course anything can happen but in the long term I think UT is a very safe bet on both appreciation and rent growth.

I do not do anything based on faith alone.Really the only reason you would bet on the sun coming up tomorrow is that if it did not you would not be around to care? 

They are already primed to complain about stuff (and sue) and once you start fixing things, they will add more and more to the list that they feel is "necessary" that you feel is not and there will be conflict.... you can bet on it.