At this time I manage and renovate majority of all my units to keep cost low but most likely not the best use of my time although I'm skilled at it.

An 80% occupancy rate indicates low demand. 

I'm going to exclude my personal residence from this because I don't view this as an investment, I need a place to live.Excluding my primary residence my current breakdown is 47% real estate 53% stocks/cash. 

.* Low Hands-on operation: We prefer minimal hands-on engagement.

It possible that the market will stay low for a long time.

Getting a mother-in-low to co-sign is not the answer.

I have no doubt that I would learn any new avenues quickly considering my current experience, but I would still be taking a step backwards for the time being.

- The property is probably NOT as profitable as you think it is.More reality for you - how are you going to cashflow enough from leveraged rentals to replace your current income?

The current status of the market is low end rentals land lords that let the houses look like crap. 

., but there’s some good news for renters: local rents have dropped to a 3-year low, with decreases of up to $200.