Marshawn,Lets say you swing the deal with no money.

Both, my wife and I have a comfortable 6-figure income as well as savings stacked away, which enables us to “swing” the rent.

Wait to the market crashes before looking in AZ - the prices will swing way back down like they did in 2009 and 2010.

I would argue that if you have to go to a property and swing a hammer thats not really "investing" anyway.

I used to be an assistant golf professional in another life and am now building a real estate portfolio for myself, as well as working with cash buyers looking for multifamily properties.

The reason I want to be wary of these things is that between contributions to a 401(k) and some securities that I would like to start selling piecemeal, I have the ability to swing my income at least $20,000-$30,000 up or down each year, but I don't want to shoot myself in the foot. 

I am also looking on other side - they provide a package deal for vacationers to enjoy - such as - gym, security, golf courts, swimming pool, private walking areas,etc. 

I guess the big questions for STL and the swing towards the suburbs are; How do crime rates compare in the outlying towns vs. the city?

Don't expect the wild swings of appreciation.  

There has been a mild swing towards first floor office as opposed to retail here in DC, in fact CoStar has their offices first floor street level now.