Most of your wealth generation will come from having a large portfolio that rises in value so I like that route 

October Market Watch Redfin.com ranked Rochester as the least likely to tank during the next recessionPrices for entry level houses have been rising quickly and selling in a short period of time.  

I know of many, including myself, you disclose to all parties and who do not use straw buyers or artifically inflate appraisals.

The HAFA Mortgage Program HAFA - Home Affordable Foreclosure AlternativesIn light of the rising number of property foreclosures in the United States, the government has expanded the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) to include provisions and incentives for servicers to allow short sales or deeds-in-lieu as positive options for eligible homeowners in default who wish to avoid foreclosure.

Otherwise, an offer has not been made.Therefore, MHI seeks HUD’s concurrence that the following activities when performed by a manufactured housing retailer or salesperson do not rise to the level of an offer under the SAFE Act.The mere sharing of general information about a financing source, such as available financing.Acting as a passive conduit between the home buyer and the financing source without engaging in specific discussion of financing options from a particular funding source.Discussing hypothetical financing options.Presentation of a spectrum of options.Giving the home buyer a list of available financing sources without recommending any of the sources.Communicating Directly or Indirectly with a Borrower for Purpose of Reaching an Understanding about Prospective Loan Terms.

He wanted to work with a wholesaler that was serious about his business and not inflating ARV's.

Some want to make loans for high rises, town homes, multi family, in specific cities.

.- When you own the property, it doesn't lose all of its value like a stock investment in a company can- It is an inflation hedge (my understanding is that the only main general investments in the Great Depression that held their value beginning to end, were gold, real estate and TBonds).- You build equity (paying off mortgages), - It is a better leveraged investment than things like commodities trading.- As others said, I believe most average people's wealth came through real estate (and perhaps their own business, which this is also)

Usually these historic trends over the past few years will lead you to areas of higher demand and rising prices as well as a stable market on a micro scale.

I'm buying at $110,000, similar rehabbed properties are selling at $250 - $340,000 and rising quickly.As for the staircase, I know a local company that will come in, measure, build and install.