You are cautious, calculated risk taker, and from the feedback of some people here you are taking right steps, just things out of your control keep coming up. move learned from your story and this thread, it has helped me, so thank you for sharing.

Just be more cautious and demand better deals in this volatile and uncertain market.

@Shallin Partap SinghIf I were you I would be cautious about pursuing this condo.

I'd be cautious about lenders opining about the future of rates and saying they won't come down soon.

Many individuals who were furloughed are going into their 401(k)s to cover expenses, and millennials who are saddled with student and consumer debt, and who were already suffering a form of PTSD from 2008, will likely only become more cautious.

Regarding flipping: Just be cautious and know that flipping has risks.  

Luckily, I knew her manager who recommended against it and come to find out, they trashed their previous rental after the owner tried to raise the rent $50 after 3 years of no increases.Just be cautious with any tenants and do the same screening for everyone, regardless of relationship. 

However, before getting too hyped, it's always wise to remain cautious and do your due diligence before making any final decisions. 

"This can't be good", I said to myself, and cautiously entered the house. 

Tax certificates are just an investment that can give you a return of up to 18% per year with sometime more when you get paid back the 5% minimum interest a few days after buying the certificate.When you buy a certificate you have to be cautious of the value of the property, its use, the amount of total tax delinquency vs the total cost of the property, and the likelihood that the property can be sold at auction if needed.