When estimating rents be fairly conservative and don't forget to take into account a vacancy factor.

Find your niche and grow it.The possibilities are more numerous and more rewarding than when Microsft and Apple were created.Some things won't change, family, honesty, integrity, the need for food shleler and clothing....everything else is a wild card.What could we do with a billion dollars each and the same willingness to share that we are displaying here, now?

OK, so same treatment for these deals:Example #1Rent: $800Expense: $400NOI: $400Payment: $432 (7%, 30 year, $65K)Cash flow: -$32With a down paymentPayment: $346 (7%, 30 year, $52K)Cash flow: $54Cash on cash return: 5.0%Just about CD rates.Example 2Rent: $1725Expense: $862Payment: $699 (7%, 30 year, 105K)Cash flow: $164Cash flow per unit $55So, that one's not too bad, though its not going to be $615/month in cash flow once you've factored in real world expenses.With 20% down, cash flow is $303 or 17.4% cash on cash.

The area he is in has actually appreciated due to strong local factors and he could probably sell it for $95k or more today.

Right now you can purchase property below market, so you ought to factor in the equity you will be picking up if you buy.

I don't know about the "coming back to haunt you" comment, but I do agree investors should consult with a knwoeldgable CPA on this topic.Depreciation recapture can come into play, but there are several factors to consider such as: You are receiving tax savings today and then repaying with tomorrows dollar (and we all know the dollar will be worth less tomorrow than today), if your current marginal tax rate is at 28%, then the recapture tax rate of 25% is slightly less, and if the gain derived from the building is less than the depreciation taken, you may only recapture some and not all of the tax.

I would be interested to hear any constructive comments.Area Location: Northeast DenverSquare Footage: 1219Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms 3 Two Levels Style: Condo/Townhouse Financial Information:Comparables: $169.725Assessors: $189,600Bank of America $173,700Average Rental $1050ROI .14 (.65 factor used)Rehab cost maximum $30,000 (should be less)Asking $59,000$1000 Earnest MoneyI am hoping that this will be a quick wholesale deal

Jon,I have assessed the situation you have mentioned and that will be a deciding factor in my decision.

The external factors can cause a property value to go down very quickly.

A lot of factors like the price of oil and interest rates all came together for one perfect storm and BOOM.