There is only a fraction of inventory to what is normal.

Wholesalers continuously buy properties for a fraction of their value.

And buyers may benefit from less stringent qualifying and down payment requirements, more flexible rates, and better loan terms on a home that otherwise might be out of reach.Sellers willing to take on the role of financier represent only a small fraction of all sellers -- typically less than 10%.

I will ask for clarification.The necessary repairs as I see them account for only a small fraction of the difference.

Some might do some searching on their own, but if your property is not on the MLS you are missing a large fraction of your potential buyers.When you put in on the MLS and sell it to a retail buyer with an agent, you will have to pay that agent. 

@Michael Upshur, There's a lot of folks taking gains through 1031 right now and beginning the move into passive fractional ownership.  

If not, then own passively as a fractional investor.

Gary is only a fraction of that.

I am originally from PA and my question is if I should buy condo down here (2bedroom), or invest back home near Indiana, PA which is a college town and the houses are a fraction of the cost.

I can get a GORGEOUS Single Family that doesn't need a thing for a fraction of a duplex that "needs work".The plan would still be to buy the next property and live in it after 12 months (as FHA permits), and traditionally rent out this first purchase SFR.Thanks in advance BP'ers.