Hello Fellow BP'ers and especially Detroiters,I am an architect and an RE investor from Israel.Although I have been involved in the building industry for around 20 years, (mainly as an architect but also with RE investment experience locally, in the UK and a little in South Africa), I am relatively new to the US market.I have been following the posts and podcasts on this site for a while, and am really impressed with the length and breadth of the information and networking available.As you are probably guessing I was tempted into the Detroit market like a lot of others, seeking alternatives to relative low returns elsewhere, and promises of 2 figure ROI with ease.

Should you buy with a negative cash flow in markets like California or Las Vegas and gamble on appreciation (in the early stages of a declining market)?

I'm currently in the Armed Forces in the UK and would love to invest in the US property market.It would be best if I told you my interests:I am looking for cheap homes to fix up and rent out for a positive cash flow to pay the house off and move onto the next.I have seen houses on many websites that are foreclosures, in a bad state of repair or old and neglected for under $5000, which is great for me being in the UK.I've been looking at properties that closely resemble or come close to this one:http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?

And I'm currently interested in REI in UK, going to fly to London and explore up North, in 2 weeks time to at least check out the market. 

Way too big a gamble for all but the richest people.

Hello, I want to start researching the UK's market but I'm not sure where to start or where I can find the necessary information.I know that similar posts have been written but I couldn't find anything UK specific.I'm looking for stuff like job growth, population growth, new construction and that's all I have come up with- if you have any suggestions about what else I should know - let me know please.Thank you in advance :D

If it is, and you have no reason to fear for its long-term safety (which I understand is a big question in Illinois,) I wouldn't cash out - a guaranteed monthly check sometime in the future is better than a gamble, even on real estate.

Sure, if you don't mind gambling with your future.

Otherwise it’s just gambling!

Hello,I am a citizen of India currently living in UK.