We rehab properties(quite the difference from rentals, same taste, different flavor).

It may be helpful to think about Asbury Park as a square with 4 distinct sections.

There are many different flavors of real estate investing every time you meet someone new you'll discover a new approach to it.

Also, I encountered the distinction between SFRs and apartments/condos and I am glad you mentioned that they impact the markets differently. 

so that makes the distinction as follows:-is "it" a good time to buy real estate? 

@Mike Oliveira In Ontario, you have to break it down into two distinct groups to look at the economics:1) GTAAs per the Ontario Population Projections Update, 2015-2041:"The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is projected to be the fastest growing region of the province, with its population increasing by over 2.8 million, or 42.9 per cent, to reach almost 9.5 million by 2041.

The distinction is important with respect to your financing question and options. 

@Eric SchaferYour employer 401k is likely locked up in that plan until you leave the company.Self-Directed retirement plans come in several flavors.  

The Keys are too, more 3rd world in flavor. 

So maybe that's stacking savings, maybe paying down debt, improving FICO, or maybe it's raising capital, whatever, the details don't matter because there is 101 flavors out there, all that matters is what is your 1-Thing NOW, do that, THAT alone, with fanatical focus like a fat-boy on cake!