(Not by using Google maps because they can easily be outdated pictures) There should be some.

Purchase based on sales comparables, at a discount, and have a good idea of what your operating expenses will be as well as what market rents are to get an idea of your return.

If you ever find yourself in West Texas, the returns in Lubbock are great.

Then you will be managing the property until the time when they see fit to "return" it to you in a land trust. 

Just like any industry, you find better cap rates/returns in different markets.

It seems if you can find the right deals, flipping may be able to get you larger returns in the shorter term.The "best" investment is the one that fulfills the needs of you and your soon-to-be expanding family!

If we were to put it on the market again, I'd estimate at LEAST $10k to get it market ready for new carpets, appliances, paint.Knowing the condition I rented to him before, currently it wasn't anything I could make a case that wasn't "normal wear and tear".If I don't take this into account, I'm over-shooting for a client that is underinvesting ........and there will be negative return on his investment home.

Last I heard, 21% was a better return than 15%.  

I have an account around that size with Lending Club and am seeing 9-12% year over year returns.

It's rented now at $1550 as well, on a $540 mortgage payment (5.85% 5/20 ARM.)I estimate a net return of $5K yearly on each property after expenses (thanks, BP calculator!)