It's not popular to say that the fantasy we're living in is going to burst.

I'm trying not to be discouraged...And I certainly don't want to jump just because it seems like a good deal...I think the part of my equation that I'm not factoring in is this:If I get the home at the rate I hope (60k) and I borrow 80k that will leave 20k in reserve.10k I will keep untouched for unexpected things.

nope, I've got 5 children, so a rented mini-van was the way to go.It's to bad the Cards didn't win........but what an amazing game.

Investors generally have their own money in the game so it is in their best interest to get the properties into livable condition or find someone who will be willing to do the rehab.

Using any kind of positive appreciation number in this real estate environment is a fools game.

One for a house, which is currently rented and the other for the home I currently reside in. I

I brought up the point that the reduction in price after I submitted my offer was very suspicious and he said that it is simply a game that the listing agent is playing to show that the price he got is much higher than listing so he will get more listings from the bank.

Use some leverage, but only to what you have comming in!I

I have no problem playing video games.

Now, 17 years later, I have a nice system for oning rental property and great equity lines so I can and do what ever the market says makes sense.I think the RE game takes money.