Rusty Thompson You mentioned a previous thread, I thought there was one, but I could not find it.I think your speculation could be exactly how it comes to pass, all dependent upon the restrictions on re-sale.

One point about weight; people that weigh 300+ and have to get down low enough to empty a lower unit washer will tend to support themselves by grabing the top of the door (speculation).

Property taxes are also generally higher and demand is stronger which results in the parents paying retail.Personally, I do not see the value in the proposition, but then again I am an investor not a speculator.

Don i didnt speculate on the cost of rehab because it could range from 5k to 100k on these houses- the low purchase price gives you a little breathing room. the house prices will stay low here for awhile at least until these houses are bought up and even then, hopefully bought by good investors. regardless though the rents are pretty nice and my places are full and positive. i have a 4 family that nets 900/mo..and there are plenty to be had. i want more haha!

I'm not going to buy Walmart or Microsoft at the start up stage as a speculator because I saw huge appreciation potential before anyone else... but I'll sift through the solid performers and try to find the corner cases that are neglected and get predictable and above market returns.

At that point the only thing people will worry about is survival.....guns and butter.Hyperinflation would make dollars basically worthless too, but I think the chance of that happening in the US is basically zero.Gold has been a good investment for many, but I view it as highly speculative for the very reason you allude to when pondering its value.....it has value but how is that value determined?

After taxes (remember taxes are based on nominal gains not real returns) you typically lose purchasing power/wealthShort term speculators may rush into any asset thinking they know the future and the efficient market hypothesis is wrong.

Trying to blindly "time" the market is a mistake and is speculation, not investing.Also using this method through an online brokerage will minimize your management fees (vs. going through a financial adviser)

Speculation with what if's I guess is entertaining if you're really bored.

I going to speculate that time invested from start to finish per tenant per property is 20+/- hours.