It seems most people still willing to invest in the current market are speculating on appreciation being their money maker instead of cash flow.FYI - check out the following thread where a lot of DC Metro BP members have stopped in and intro'd themselves.

Prices here have risen somewhat over the past few years, but I can't discern if that uptick is because of overall market improvement or speculation. 

I want to continue investing but have since found that the single family has sucked up all my resources due to the large monthly payment.The home in the north shore has over 200k in equity and produces solid rents , I really do not want to sell the property as I am speculating this home to continue being a cash cow into the future.

I wonder why so many people feel the need to speculate on things?

@Atif F ShahnawazI will say that the real estate business is inherently speculative.

Unless you're speculating on appreciation, no need to even look into this property.$155k purchase price for 1300 a month rent?  

Any money you make from a primary residence in 3 to 4 years is luck through speculating, not investing. 

He speculated on the land and the market for a bigger fool than he, is fairly small.Check out the zoning.

We are all just speculating at this point.

My question is this: with all sorts of speculation (real or hyped, doesn't matter) of a another "housing bubble," what is your advice to a new guy?