That makes it a tougher decision.

The markets we are recommending to our investor clients for a balance between cash-flow and appreciation potential are Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Lehigh Acres (FL), and Phoenix (although it is tougher to find those deals there today).You may want to download the 2013 Housing Market Forecast from my website to help you better understand some of the market options available to you.Feel free to post any other questions you have.Continued success!

Mike Hurney - The numbers don't make it a home run deal right off of the bat, but I decided to research parking as an alternative investment since MF deals are tougher and tougher to find now a days.

Even though I have a good property manager I trust, I am pretty involved in looking after necessary details.Anyway, given that I now have a fair amount of real estate locally (including my townhouse) and the market is even tougher here now, I want to branch out and diversify some going forward.

Kevin,A 7 unit is a tougher sell.It's just over the 5 unit threshold but not many lenders like to play int hat space because of the small fees they make.When you go up in unit size and price more lenders are in the marketplace for multifamily.What was your 7 unit priced at per door??

Many land lords don't understand the benefits so it's tougher for these institutions to find suitable rental properties.

If the appraisal issue can't be resolved, oftentimes it will never get formally submitted.It's getting tougher to find these lenders nowadays, but start with your small local and regional banks.And, as mentioned above, if it does get submitted, you're stuck for 6 months...

It is not a good investment. 1) Rent too low relative to price2) discount relative to market value not even close to a good deal. 3) Condo's can be tough to sell because of tougher lender scrutiny on condo associations.

And rehab on a multi is tougher than SFRs.

I'm proud to be a capitalist.I have been hearing about tougher inspections too.