As far as the +/- 10% appreciation rate this year, I am a little more optimistic.

Of course, being optimistic, I would love to just bank on the idea of appreciation but I'm a bit conservative and that just seems like a foolish gamble.tl;dr - No cash flow properties unless I put a lot down.

@James Mudd Using simple rule of thumb analysis, tells you the cap rate would be closer to 7.35% with both sides rented. 2 x $950 = 1900/month x 12 = 22,800 Gross Rents / a reasonable expectation of expenses of 50% = 11,400/155k = 7.35% Cap Rate You will get the accurate numbers if you follow @Mehran Kamari's advice, but that cap rate is way over optimistic.

An article / opinion piece by Sherwood Neiss from Crowdfund Capital Advisors, tells more about this development: http://venturebeat.com/2014/05/08/new-bill-could-finally-fix-crowdfunding-if-the-sausage-stuffers-dont-get-to-it/Despite all the hoopla, I personally remain optimistic.

Unless your taxes and insurance amount to 25% of the rents that's a very optimistic calculation.

For five to ten properties, you need six months for all properties.IMHO this is optimistic.

I even think that's on the optimistic side and I believe it assumes you're self managing.

Usually to the point where he makes pessimists look optimistic.

Trevor, that might be an optimist's point of view.

Then minus the HOA. 1700 (optimistic rent) x80% minus HOA = breaking even.