And it's unfortunate, I was surprised at how much interest there was on the part of  younger people to live in one and rent one out.  Looks

I have been reviewing the numbers and the outlook for Zillow, ibuyers, open door, redfin, and other hedge fund backed buyers is expected to climb to over $1B next year. 

Hello, I'm a first time investor trying to keep it simple with a SFH to buy and hold and rent out.  Looking

If they invest there, how's the schools, crime, outlook, etc.

Everyone has a different outlook.

This also implies better B, C neighborhoods are not cash flow and unsophisticated investors are betting on a unrealistic outlook that will never happen.

. - I have been a home owner for 3 years- I feel that it would be unlikely to be approved for a mortgage on another property- I have savings- Initial investment outlook: $350K to 450K for a 4 unit buildingWhat are my financial options? 

So here's a rough number breakdown. purchase $1,500,000Loan Amount 1,300,000Rehab+holding+closing costs $115,000ARV 1,900,000new Loan (20 year, 6.25, 5 year)- $1,560,000Cashout portion- $260,000Cashout- FFFF (friends, family, facebook friends)= 10,000Money in deal = 45,000Rental Side of Things (by month)Current Income- 27,000/m (Proforma is 31,500 since I had to rush rent out)Expenses-  (Utilities, Taxes, 25% Vacancy/Management/CAPEX, insurance, etc)- 12,500/mDebt- 11,400/mNOI- 3100/mSomething like that at leastFor the other questions that may pop up:I self manageI doubled my portfolio in one dealI was my own GC for the projectI still have a full time job in securities tradingI worked 110 weeks for 2 months straightI am burnt outI hit a lot of roadblocks including getting sued, vandalized, robbed, and threatenedI had a lot of physical blackouts and emotional breakdownsMy outlook in general on people is definitely more negative However I am also ready to move onThis post was very much to speak on an experience and tell a story. 

I talk a lot about opportunity cost and long term outlook here in the forums, so let's compare the two strategies over the next 20-30-years:You could stay in your interest only loan and enjoy better cash flow, to the tune of an extra $450/mo in your pocket.

Obviously this is not a science and won't answer all questions, but personally I think consumer confidence and habits can give a lot of insight into the mid-term economic outlook of a given area.