I am building an software solution to solve this exact problem by producing a detailed mapping of risk & return and an early warning on locations that are changing and may present good opportunities, starting with the Dallas-Fort Worth area.Local agents are an important part of the process but my belief is that you contact them after you have done your homework.

Youtube kiyosaki and debt and you should get an idea of what his and my beliefs are. 

That is another false belief that people will call police and they will arrive in time to get there so no worries.

It hasn't become part of my deeply-held belief system.

It’s one of those issues that everyone has their own beliefs on, which is great.

@Terry LaoMy belief has always been that There are no limits when it comes to success.

I feel this horrible situation is kept up by the false belief that agents are taking care of you, when in fact they likely only present you with properties that give them higher commission.

So many new investors are only looking for "off market" and wholesale deals- the fact of the matter is that 95% of the residential real estate transactions occur through the MLS, and contrary to popular belief, you can find deals there.

But with my belief that the market will dip, a 10% margin gives me some buffer.

@Russell Brazil is exactly on point, 2% rule works when the properties are cheap cheap cheap.The rule stems from the belief that (a) half of gross rent will go towards expenses, and (b) .6-.7 of the rent goes towards the mortgage payment. 2%-1%-.7% = .3% monthly profit.It's a very conservative formula, but just explaining why some investors stick to it.