http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/morning_call/201...Coupling a low unemployment rate, rising home appreciation and strong income growth, online real estate company Zillow predicted that Denver will be the hottest residential real estate market in the country in 2016.Denver's followed by Seattle, Dallas-Fort Worth, Richmond, Virginia and Boise, Idaho on the Zillow list of hottest 2016 markets.....

Here is some predictions check them out!

I like the predictability of Section 8 but only if it will come up to the market rent of $800.  

Stories and predictions come and go, but the herd mentality WILL occur with little or no notice beforehand. 

From Zillow:"Three variables influenced Zillow's hot market predictions: Zillow's Home Value Forecast, which forecasts the change in the Zillow Home Value Index over the next 12 months, recent income growth, and current unemployment rates.

By combining our vast knowledge with unparalleled customer support, we can provide reliable and predictable financing in as few as 3 business days.

Renting it out for 2 and 1/2 years is also a good option if you predict that you will gain another 5-10% appreciation down the road.  

I like how it "Predicts" your return based on what you invested in.

But, as you seem to suggest, that's just one thing to consider in the entire package with cashflow and paying down the mortgage.If I can predict any future oscillation of the market I would be next Warren Buffet ;) , but as long as you have fixed rate on your property and decent cash reserve, you are going to be fine. 

I actually do not see all that much market appreciation potential over the next 5 or so years here (and likely most other markets) ... this is normal for this market, the appreciation is not linear, it happens in short rocket ride spurts usually after a soft patch; no way of really predicting with confidence when exactly that will happen but we are definitely not in a soft patch at the moment and 2012-2015 was the last rocket ride and it was a fun one :).