If you do find a deal and maybe it doesn’t cash flow for the first year or 2 but you can make improvements, raise rents on under market leases, manage property effectively and cover your expenses at least you will have started and can look for better cashflow over time.

As we are in Q3 of this year, I am noticing some shifts in the market.

I've worked in the Television and Film industry for the past 11 years.

In a tough market, it's easy to get distracted by all the shiny opportunities that come up.For example, to really focus on growing our real estate agent business, we made the difficult decision to stop buying investment properties this year.

But the question is whether one can actually achieve the proforma cash flow on older properties with a less economically stable tenant base.Based on your picture, you appears fairly young.My advice is buy properties in quality locations think long term 10 to 15 years - slowly and safely build your portfolio - equity and cash flow will increase over time and in 10 to 15 years you may become financially free.People talk cash flow is king but one can NOT generate financial freedom cash flow with $250,000 or $500,000 invested (equity).Even at a 10% cash on cash return, one needs $1.2M invested to generate $120K a year $10K a month.You want property to be self supporting so it needs to cash flow but once that is reached the focus in my opinion should equity growth which increases net worth.

I think that compared to 10 years ago, the financing is more aggressive, and there is more competition. 

Hello,Been a member here for prob 10 years, but just restarted my journey to get into rental properties. 

This is something I've done for 22 years.

Make it clear you'll be conducting inspections (I do them up to every 4 months / 3 times per year).But in your question, you used the word "prevent', which is NOT possible.

Looking at the data you provided for Melbourne, FL:- Average rent is around $2,000-$2,100- Rents have actually decreased slightly year-over-year- There's a wide range of rental prices ($650 to $6,500)This suggests a diverse market with potential opportunities, but also some volatility.