Hi all, I currently rent, but am considering buying a 2 bedroom condo/townhouse.The main issue: I only plan to live in this property for 1-5 years (unknown, depends on career moves), so long term I'd like to be able to rent it out with at least break-even cashflow.I think the main problem is though that in any desirable living area, it's pretty tough to do this. 

I live in a small town and good contractors are tough to find.

Hi @Lisa SlussThat’s a tough one, but I think you’re on the right track.

The problem is when the investor is an amateur and didn't underwrite their deal properly or don't have the cash reserves to survive a tough quarter they blame the property manager.

I’ve enjoyed talking to folks that are already involved in real estate, but it’s been tough to be wise open about it.

Always let people in a tough situation you are there and interested, they may take awhile, but will generally take you up on your offer if you are serious.

This is tough, If this was my property.

This isn't a political discussion forum, so I'm not going to opine with my personal political opinion, but that seems like a tough sell to the American voter.The other option is to get rid of such hard-and-fast DTI rules, and let markets sort themselves out (65% DTI, with a compensating factor of 10 years of monthly payments in a savings account left over after the down payment?

I'm just your average blue collar worker, I've spent the last 12 years being a heavy duty diesel mechanic.

If the utilities are being passed through to tenants in some express way (say, through the leases, etc) then you likely have a tough fight on your hands.