So we have a common understanding, I define a good investment property as one that meets all three of the following criteria:• Sustained profitability - The property must generate a positive cash flow today and into the foreseeable future.

We have new tenants moving in August 1st and really don't think the market could sustain any higher rents.

Rentals are great for building sustainable income.

Open kimono, I'm slightly skeptical of Portland and surrounding areas to the extent that recent investment trends (from what I can gather) seem to favor market appreciation over sustainable cash flow.  

If you do this, then you will experience sustainable success.

If you're interested in investing in a neighborhood that doesn't appear to have very many rentals, is there a method that you use to determine if an area would sustain rentals?

Options include driving for dollars, absentee, probate, using listsource if you're not in a competitive market, buying lists that are exclusive for your market type (we partnered with a guy that does this) 3) Start a sustained direct mail campaign.

This is my strategy right now that I will use to get me to my ultimate long term goal.How active with my investments....I basically travel for a living and when I am home I like to be around my family so therefore beyond the time it takes gaining REI knowledge and the initial selling and acquisition of property, I choose to not be active with sustaining the properties.

So buying a $30K house means I am stuck with 100% cash in. 3.I am looking to get out of debt and have enough doors that can help me sustain without a 9 to 5 job.

Most importantly, the deal better be cash flowing, or else it's not sustainable.