It is what is but I was fortunate to have 2 tenants that have been there for 4-5 years.vacation rentals / airbnb are very profitable if it is done right.

I was fortunate (perhaps unfairly) to receive my broker's license by virtue of being licensed to practice law. 

Start early and it will hard not to make a fortune.

I was fortune enough to buy a home on a green street and get to enjoy all of Columbia's amenities without being subject to the CPRA fees.  

Any particular kind of  recession will not affect you investment just like it can happen in other places..Most inexpensive real estate out of top 15 Metro.Rock Solid Economy5 cities include in Top 10 fastest growing city of USA (Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Fort Worth)#1 infrstructureBest place to do businessMost diverse economyHighest number of Fortune 500Second biggest economy in US after CA.etc...

I'm fortunate to be able to travel to Lubbock on a regular basis, so I don't buy sight unseen. 

I would also say that based on the relationships my company has formed with Fortune Builders, The Real Wealth Network, The Real Estate Guys radio show, Get Rich Education, etc.. we are a pretty credible company.

When I started, I attended a "free" seminar, which turned into a $200 3-day seminar, which then turned into them wanting you to sign up for a $20k to $30k program..Fortunately I wised up at the 3 day.

Fortunately my niece is actively investing in rentals so I plan to tag along for the ride.

That's something I did and I now find myself in a very fortunate position.