Rental properties can be an excellent sources of cash flow but you have to go in to it with your eyes wide open and understand that there are a lot of unpredictable variables.

I know some BP members have had great success renting, but the unpredictability of HOAs is a constant risk.

Condos aren’t bad but IMO they’re unpredictable, specifically due to HOA fees and potential for litigation.

So your rate of return could be highly variable and unpredictable.2. 

I agree that there are so many unpredictable events that can happen to us and ones we can see miles ahead and refuse to allow that to be our future.

It's highly  unpredictable and is very dependent on the buyer. 

And it may be some judges. the U.S. justice system is unpredictable.

And they increase so unpredictably, that I'm wary of holding rental even if they pencil out now. 

This can be extremely difficult as it requires you to make a wild guess about the future value of the home, and future rents throughout ownership, both of which are moving and unpredictable targets.

I really want to move to a home that is less expensive as the current payments are steep (50+ % of my unpredictable income).