That's gambling, straight up!

Buy in markets with stable, long-term growth characteristics. 

Look at the big overall things, the characteristics of the home that you cannot change.

It may not depend on what the degree is, but attaining the degree shows commitment and follow through, two characteristics held high in much of society.

You can still name only large properties on the first list and gamble that the other property will close within the 180 day window of the first sale so you can use both in the purchase.  

I'm beginning to get a clearer picture as to what it takes to make one happen, but I'm not yet clear on specific characteristics that you should look for.There is one particular property that I'd like to do this for - my parents' neighbors are currently trying to sell their home because they need to purchase a larger one to accommodate one of their ill parents.

Much like in the stock market trying to “time” the market is simply a gamble unless you have a crystal ball.

But then again maybe they are making $100K but have child support/ student loans or a really expensive hobby (gambling at the Horseshoe Casino) that they love more than where they live.

Income Capitalization ApproachThe Sales Comparison Approach - basically this method of valuation compares a subject property characteristics with similar sold properties.

Many people are gambling on the market.Fund managers are having a party with cheap money floating around everywhere as well.I'm very conservative and young, so if I have to wait until the end of the year or into 2014 for a correction to buy back in that's OK with me.