The expansion of Mercedes Benz factor outside of Birmingham, the Mazda factory outside of Huntsville---these are all blue collar jobs.

@Ryan L. appreciation and cash flow tend to exist on opposite ends of a spectrum and your investment strategy should move along a sliding scale between the two based on a variety of factors.

I'm not sure what other life factors and preferences come into play there but here's my personal situation: I'm 29, single, without children, and work full time in my investing business.

One of the most concerning factors is the question of how you can protect yourself from lawsuits stemming from properties you may never step foot on. 

Also factor in the prevailing interest rates over the same time frame.Predicting a crash is never easy.

With the full service management I would make less than a straight rental once I factored in the untilies.

One of the most concerning factors is the question of how you can protect yourself from lawsuits stemming from properties you may never step foot on.

As for credibility, your best way to build that is with good communication(listen more than you talk), knowledge of larger economic factors, and knowledge of  your specific market or niche, being highly ethical, and being highly motivated.

Did you factor in renovations when you obtained financing?

Look at property taxes and factor those into your costs as well.