Such a LIVELY discuss what investor can resist tossing his hat in this ring...For many of the reasons already stated I would add that when you survey locally and nationally the REAL real estate investors (people who actually own & invest in it daily versus those who simply talk about or teach it) it is those who have a portfolio of rentals property of some sorts that have withstood the test of time.Obviously all markets aren't suited for the buy and hold strategy but with the ease of investing in other markets and countries now, you can't soundly refute the strategy.

To get into that path of progress, you are going to have to get a feel to see what areas are set for improvement by talking to locals, surveying the landscape and trends, contemplating potential new transit lines or nearby large developments, etc...

Which would be $2,500.Then there are, according to fha.com:• Lender's origination fee• Deposit verification fees• Attorney's fees• The appraisal fee and any inspection fees• Lender's origination fee• Cost of title insurance and title examination• Document preparation (by a third party)• Property survey• Credit reports (actual costs)• Transfer stamps, recording fees, and taxes• Test and certification fees• Home inspection fees up to $200"Allowed in an FHA refinance loan are wire transfer fees, courier fees, reconveyance fees, and fees to payoff bills."

And with larger apartments, do a market survey and call nearby apartments and ask for their occupancy, rent prices, etc.

When I bought the property I did not perform a survey since I bought the property cash (I know my mistake).  

Have you actually bought any properties yet or are you just surveying the landscape (like me)?

It's more of just pipeline surveying and mapping.

I would look for more properties in the area for a better and more accurate rent survey. 

To access the Like-Kind Exchanges: Real Estate Market Perspectives 2015 report, visit http://www.realtor.org/reports/like-kind-exchange-survey.

Snags I've run into recently:Inaccurate property description/survey making what exactly is being conveyed questionable.The last property I purchased from Fannie Mae turned out to be actually owned by HUD.