So a decent hedge would be to get into something that might actually appreciate more than inflation unlike flyover state real estate.

My understanding is turnkey properties prices are sometimes inflated.

How can I tell if Fannie Mae really asked investors for "best and highest" offer like realtor reported on a specific property, or the realtor just asked on there own to help inflate the sale price?

Here's an article I often recommend, a case study of how one investor did his first real estate deal as a house hack: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/newbie-ho...As mentioned above, it really helps to stay disciplined and not succumb to lifestyle inflation, even as you start earning more money, and saving money on your housing bill.Best of luck, and feel free to PM me any time.

@Wenjing Wang Hey Wenjing, I'm not as experienced as many of these individuals here but I do have to agree with @Thomas S. on this for two main reasons...1) If your spreadsheet is showing ~1% then your money isn't even keeping up with inflation.

A mortgage is some of the cheapest money you can get, why would you lock up all your money in equity where it is maybe earning inflation?

Now since I don't like debt should I just amass this cash and store it in index funds for the next 2-3 years to beat inflation, then purchase a home with all cash to flip?

I have been looking through some listings in these areas for a potential investment, however, property prices seem inflated.

I do the same as @Llewelyn A. but I also factor in inflation.

Prices are inflated due to demand.