We look for good school systems, low crime and desirable neighborhoods.

I have actually cashed out a lot of my IRA now bc I have so much depreciation from RE that my tax bracket is very low and the taxes to pay on the IRA withdrawal are also pretty much non existent (taking aside the penalty). 

Hey @Brett RiemensniderThere are a TON of banks/credit unions that will offer as low as Prime on a heloc on your primary residence.

Really interested in investing in this market and would accept a relatively low return (or even a break even scenario because i believe in continued appreciation potential here). 

On houses below $200k, the 70% rule gives you too low of a profit - you need to lower it the lower you go (ie a $100k ARV would probably be a 60% rule).

Basically all up and down the mid west markets.but you get to other areas of the country were used houses sell for more than New construction  and there are low inventories etc.. and trying to talk someone into a lease with the option to buy  is much tougher to a basic non starter..

Foreclosures ar near all time lows.

I figured, if I hire several low skill employees it would equal one high skilled employee.

With HML at least you in theory can vet the property and keep a low LTV to ensure you can be made whole.

And maybe diversify a little, invest half in a low cost S&P500 fund like VOO and the split the rest across 2 or 3 syndications.