I can usually get a good idea if a property is worthwhile with a Texas Instrument BAII Plus calculator, scratch piece of paper, and a pen.

But I see no good reason to be in 1st position on a note I didn't create, because depending on where (what state) the note was originated and when, the security instrument may have serious issues of enforcability.

Homeowners current on 1st  as per checking the automated system of WFHM.  

I have both of them and so far they have been instrumental in creating a viable, long-term strategy.

What I have learned is that most properties will cash flow in any market including the expensive Boston, NY and San Francisco markets if you put the right financing instrument on it. 

Borrower shall occupy, establish, and use the Property as Borrower's principal residence within sixty days after the execution of this Security Instrument (or within sixty days of a later sale or transfer of the Property) and shall continue to occupy the Property as Borrower's principal residence for at least one year after the date of occupancy, unless Lender determines that requirement will cause undue hardship for Borrower, or unless extenuating circumstances exist which are beyond Borrower's control.

See Garn St Germain"A lender may not exercise its option pursuant to a due-on-sale clause upon--, (1) the creation of a lien or other encumbrance subordinate to the lender's security instrument which does not relate to a transfer of rights of occupancy in the property; (2) the creation of a purchase money security interest for household appliances; (3) a transfer by devise, descent, or operation of law on the death of a joint tenant or tenant by the entirety; (4) the granting of a leasehold interest of three years or less not containing an option to purchase; (5) a transfer to a relative resulting from the death of a borrower; (6) a transfer where the spouse or children of the borrower become an owner of the property; (7) a transfer resulting from a decree of a dissolution of marriage, legal separation agreement, or from an incidental property settlement agreement, by which the spouse of the borrower becomes an owner of the property; (8) a transfer into an inter vivos trust in which the borrower is and remains a beneficiary and which does not relate to a transfer of rights of occupancy in the property; or (9) any other transfer or disposition described in regulations prescribed by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board.

Also beware that some realtors are in the habit of just looking at an automated CMA (comparative market analysis) that spits out a number - these too can be way off, especially now that the market is heating up in many areas.Bottom line, learn your market, and learn how to evaluate comps yourself, then you have no one else to blame if you under or over price a property.One final note - you don't actually have to buy properties in your market to evaluate and monitor their list price, days on market, and sale price - pick several representative properties in your area to monitor and evaluate as test cases so you can learn by doing, but without risking any money or wasting anyone's time. 

You could also explore fixed income mutual funds or ETFs, but these may lose principal.For the balance, consider that 10-12 years is a long enough time horizon that fixed income instruments - bonds, CDs, or debt funds - are subject to inflation risk.

A few days back I had an automated response to one of my online real estate ads:"" I saw your home listed for sale on XYZ Website and I just had onequestion for you: are you kidding me?