As for the rate of vacancies, its hugely dependant on the area and class of properties again, and whether or not you want to deal with government supported tenants (what you call section 8 in the US)- for me, in Japan, its a no-brainer, since they're nothing like yours in the US, but if that's where you plan to invest, you'd better give this some thought - these tenants will fill up your vacancies fast, but come with a whole unique set of issues.Totally with you on the leverage front, wouldn't touch a mortgage with a ten foot pole these days, seen too many smart individuals and savvy companies (and I'm not saying this with cynicism) get very badly burned with assumptions regarding appreciation, depreciation and amortization - to think the GFC is a once in a lifetime event and will never happen again is the biggest (and dumbest) gamble of all, in my perspective.The amount of time you'll spend on each property, again, is a direct factor of the class of properties and areas you invest in, and the quality of your chosen team, in particular your property manager.

I began my investing career when I was in the Air Force (I just got out this past summer), so I understand some of the issues that are unique to military members.

Eligibility for the credit phases out for taxpayers with modified AGI between $75,000 and $95,000 ($150,000 and $170,000 if married filing joint) in the year of purchase.Regular Repayment RuleThe first-time homebuyer credit is unique among tax credits in that it must be repaid in 15 equal installments (without interest) starting in 2010.

Each circumstance is unique and different.I've always wanted to prove my dad wrong about the use of credit cards.

Otherwise, the advice may be incorrect and cause you harm.Every state has unique laws.

Its a unique situation but I understand it as my brother just traveled for 6 months for a construction job.

Now that I am in a somewhat unique and special situation (at least I believe so), I am turning to the best and largest community of RE Investors that I know of.

@Jerry Poon  There are some unique pockets for investing in the state...

Funds are then moved from here into our general account.Since each tenant has a unique card number, we can easily match payments to tenants {I've written a procedure in our accounting software to do this when we download our bank transactions}.

Otherwise, the advice may be incorrect and cause you harm.Every state has unique laws.