I'm looking at several apartment buildings for sale in Idaho next to a major university.

I would bet that the majority of people who fear market fluctuations are people who are not at all, or very little invested in the market.

I wouldn't let that be a major concern.

But I would aim for a bit better deal so you can refinance out all or at least the vast majority of what you put into it.

There would have to be some major reason (e.g. the unit is twice as big, it is in a better school district for your child, etc.).My recommendation would be to stick with conventional investment loans, 25% down, 30 yr fixed.

What I do for a living, or for income, is very different from what the vast majority of people do.

I am right there with you, actively looking for my first buy and hold deal.

@Ann Bellamy's Black Diamond group was active in my old stomping grounds out in Worcester and Waltham I think the meetings typically were held, though I unfortunately never made it to one.

There a great many benefits when investing near the university- its the largest employer in Cincinnati, student population growing 6%/yr, I've had 0 vacancy, it's just 2 mi from over the rhine(think silver lake) and downtown, it presents cash flowing deals while well in the path of appreciation, and every major hospital in the city is within 1mi.

I often see active duty asking if they should start now or wait until they go civilian.