There are a LOT of operators that are scrambling at the moment, and dont come close to our buy-box, however I do invest with 3 larger operators (BAM is one of them), and overall I still believe their underwriting is sound and viable.Im not at liberty to discuss details, however I see some good things on the horizon with this group.

Layer on the ability to invest the funds that otherwise would go towards the down payment and transactional costs and you likely come out ahead in such a short term horizon renting.

I love researching good companies with good growth prospects and a long horizon to allow for compounding of value, much like finding a good property in a good area with good long term demographics in a friendly regulatory environment etc to allow for capital appreciation. 

Obviously this is nearly always true with an appreciating asset/appreciating rents (depending on the cap rate, interest rate, and time horizon, which @Scott Trench was alluding to). 

Then determine your investment criteria and thesis (minimum returns, risk tolerance, asset class, time horizon).

The 1% rule doesn't matter as much if you have a 5-10 year investing horizon because it does not take into account appreciation or other benefits of holding (tax benefits, etc.)The 1% rule stops a lot of folks from getting started. 

If you have a long time horizon, I would not be worried about $200 a month (as long as you can afford it).

This helps cut down the investment time horizon. 

I'm always interested in learning and expanding my horizons. 

I am considering working with a property developer in NJ to buy land, build a duplex/triplex and sell it (6-9 month time horizon).