Savvy investors can find pockets of opportunity within the market.

If I used the HELOC, the investment needs to generate >9%.I recognize there are many variables not listed here but would love to hear from more experienced investors on more generally how you think about using cash vs. home equity to grow your portfolio in the current environment. 

If this effort gains traction, it could fundamentally reshape the U.S. mortgage market, impacting financing options for real estate investors nationwide.The Role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in Housing FinanceFannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) and Freddie Mac (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation) are government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) that purchase mortgages from banks and lenders, package them into mortgage-backed securities (MBS), and sell them to investors.

Marketing = momentum.

Analyze Rental Comps & Market Trends•Look at recent rental comps in the community—not just those from a year ago, but the most recent listings with similar size, layout, and features.

And yes you can move the market with just $1M.

While I have none in this market I have been on one realtors monthly newsletter with market analysis for over 8 years. 

Hi @Konstantinos Lembesis When Settling on a market develop some metrics that you can not only measure the market you are interested in but others that you havn't considered yet. 

I’m looking to invest out of my home state, Texas, and have narrowed it down to 3 markets.

Quote from @Marc Zak: In the market where I live (San Diego), appreciation has been strong and many predict it will continue to appreciate in the long term.However, with current interest rates (6% at best) and property tax (2%), the annual cost burden is 8%.Am I correct in saying that appreciation has to be above 8% annually (plus whatever my maintenance and vacancy costs are) for me to make any money in this scenario if the property is cash flow neutral?