Alternate I buy a property in rural area, this is cheaper but under 150k Euro no way (with 3-4 units).In Ohio and the US I find many better propertys, the only prob is as foreigner to find a lender.

That said, buy and hold is not the only strategy available and as such, CA does offer many other alternatives.

Big chunk of your time.He will partner with you after you bought his system for 50% of the profits.So if you have $60,000 plus plus then go to this event - if not there are many alternatives that doesn't break the bank.

When these tenants move out I can command 1400-1500 on that one.Im not looking for a definitive answer, but definately appreciate any ideas as I have just started thinking about alternatives to the current situation.Thanks Jon

Are you suggesting that as an alternative to being a landlord?

While many defend their favorite way of calculating alternates, cap rate traditionally includes operating expenses only; not capital expenses.

Some alternative way to finance this so we can do the repairs ourselves?

Even a full price offer on a short sale may not go through.An alternate strategy is to use the listing agent.

Compare that to alternative investments for that cash and see if you're happy.

Doug,Definitely understand your aversion to higher capital gains and looking for alternatives before the higher rates kick in.