As far as a STR in a recession... look at the area you’re in. I

My house costs me money every month, and has not made me any money for the last 10 years since I bought it.I bought my house just because I liked it, and I wanted it, so I bought it.That was not a financial decision.If I was looking strictly at my finances I would not have bought my house,Here is why, I could have invested the money I spent on my house in some syndicated apartment deals and they would have paid me a lot more than the amount my house has appreciated.I just read that houses on average appreciate 3.7% per year.The goal for most of the syndicated deals I have invested in is around 20% per year.I could take out the rent and keep reinvesting the excess profits.Had I done that I would be several million dollars ahead of where I am now.

Yes, I would cringe each time I saw the pink countertops but it wasn't uncomfortable to live in. I

Integrity - I won't say much on this aside from likening it to the business I am currently in. I

I would love to get suggestions from Ottawa investors on the best geographical areas to invest in and around Ottawa as well as the types of homes to invest in. I

I was interested in Strawberry mansion, but after driving by a property I was interested in, I decided the area was too rough to even get out of the car to walk around.My current house was pretty much turnkey. 

Thank you for chiming in :)  I should have been much clearer with my comment about higher crime areas and tenant pool. 

Is the area overly saturated

I recommend first time home buyers should go on Homepath.com and HUD so that you can thoroughly inspect the properties  before you put your offer in. I

I have so many great memories from my corporate time, I have learned so much, it afforded me great opportunities and gave me a large sandbox to play in - I would do it all over again, because it got me where I am today - real estate!