Some day I will probably play in that arena some just because some huge gains can be made, but it is definitely a gamble on your understanding of the market and what drives it.If you run the numbers for what you would pay in rent and could invest in a cash flow area, or what you would get in rent and pay per month to own a duplex I bet that you will find it is cheaper to rent here and "throw away rent" than it is to buy a property.

No free lunch.For $1497 it appears its all in the apps.I don't buy online...well maybe some cars at auction...if I want to gamble!

Feels similar to gambling.

Just make sure your deal is in a great area that way the appreciation in the area (which is always a gamble) could help you refinance out into a conventional loan at some point.

My primary focus is cash-on-cash return, and I personally have no interest in gambling on continue appreciation or rents increasing at the rates they have the last few years here in Denver.Looking forward to hearing from others on this topic.Thanks,Marc

At the same time, with price to rent ratios so low, how is anyone making a decent return unless their low expense estimates are truly accurate (which I know, is a gamble, right?).

So could go from bad to worse, it's a gamble.

This feels like speculation/gambling not investing.  

But that is an expensive gamble that I would not take with my business.  

REI is a lot like playing poker, and not because they are both gambling.