If not (ie two full-time working spouses) your only other option is going into land conservation deals, solar deals, or oil and gas deals - all of which have some risks.Explained in a different way...1) There are ordinary/W2/active income on one side.

The # 1 commodity is and will always be housing, # 2 is oil and # 3 they say its coffee))) in late 2009, I began buying, well doing short sales of homes with loans in the $200K+ with accepted offers from mayor servicers/large banks in the mid $20ks.

Whether that's precious metals, RE, oil and gas, etc. in their minds (and they have models to "prove" it) the returns are sub par, expenses are high, you can better tax shelter returns by investing appropriately, etc.Basically I don' think either camp is right in that scenario, but some people are just set in their ideas.

Oil is next and some other commodities.

I don't know about your market, but in mine rents are increasing.

Oil is down, stocks up/down, rates low, slow growth, dry weather, money chasing returns...blah, blah, blah.  

Lucky for me I work as a coal miner so it makes dealing with tenants not so bad.

Also, outlook over the townhome and condo markets remained highest in Colorado.For-sale inventories remain tight in many states but seller traffic was reportedly improving.While real estate professionals remain generally optimistic about housing's outlook for the next six months, the did note a few concerns, however:Tight inventory in most states, especially for move-in ready and "affordable" unitsFinancing issues, such as qualifying for a mortgage still remains tough and the underwriting process is slow, leading to delayed closingsAppraisal valuation concerns and delays due to "questionable" comps, particularly for FHA/VA loans, the use of "out-of-town appraisers" and second appraisal requirementsImpact of the new mortgage procedures (RESPA-TILA) on closingsNegative impact of low oil prices in states with oil/gas productionSlowing demand from international buyers (e.g., Canadians) due to strong U.S. dollarUncertainties associated with flood insurance ratesImpact of upcoming interest rate increase on demand

Replace low pressure boiler and oil burnerI also found a mechanics lien for $1,405.00 that expired in July 2009.

paint is the best way to go if there in bad condition if not leave them alone replace thie sink bottom with a new skin clean with murphys soap and oil if interiors are rough looking put down white glue down paper.painting with one coat of primer should run you about $20.00 a ln ft. oak will show all its grain after painting you would have to put 4 -5 coats of primer sand in between coats to hide the grain and it wont completly disapear you can also paint and gel coat stain over paint for an older antique like finish