When speculating on general business conditions in the area, your real estate investment manager or real estate broker should be consulted for advice.

It's not speculation, it's a business plan.Professional 3rd party property management - When we buy hundreds of units in one place, we have enough margin to hire people in the office and maintenance people to handle all of the tenants, toilets, and termites.

No speculation please, request those that have experience within these areas.

The refinance - Let's speculate a little and be conservative with it.

Do you cash flow or more speculated appreciation?  

ANY type of "speculative" investment is risky. 

Capital appreciation can be a lucrative, but speculative investment.If your strategy is to benefit from immediate cash flow of high yielding properties (7% to 12%), then another option is Japan, but outside of Tokyo.

Lender's will not speculate on appreciation or future income potential;  the need a provable income to justify the debt.

IMO, 1 & 3 are speculations and sensitive to the specific situation. 2 will be a factual and ongoing problem.

The only reason to rent is if you see massive appreciation coming your way, which is pretty speculative in my opinion.