But as the previous poster said there are just so many variables it's hard to predict. 

There's no way to predict which way the market will go, so I am being very cautious and will not buy if the property doesn't cash flow.

The houses all have the same pattern it seems with flooring needed to be replaced, painting in and out, yard clean up, and usually some mechanical repairs such as toilets and kitchen faucets replaced, etc.This 6k to 10k fix up cost is pretty predictable and how much we paid for the house doesn't seem to have much impact.

Folks have been predicting a crash now for 8 years. 

If that's your prediction, I'd recommend shorting the stock market. 

I think the question is more like "some people think the market has topped out and its time to take your $$ and run"...then use it in a different market.No one can predict the top of the market...... you just have to make your best judgment call and don't look back.

Thanks @Nate Reed for explaining.As a primary buy&hold investor, with passive income as the goal, I come from a different perspective:- The property appreciation is not something you can rely on, as nobody can predict the market fluctuations and time the market.

regardless of what was happening.. changed models yes but always doing something.  08 09 were bloody aweful though no getting around that we got our butts handed to us.. but no one is predicting another melt down anytime soon

There are some D-class areas where we can reasonably predict zero appreciation over the long term (but the cash flow is good!)

A possible magnitude 7 earthquake is being predicted within the next 7 days in Southern Cali.