The Conventional index, meaning loans not backed by the government, decreased 24.2%, while the Conforming index that includes loans bought by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac dipped by 2.7%, MBA said.

I also hadn't considered that too high a target rent my decrease my tenants' stability.

Does anyone know of a way to get hard money lending down payments decreased?

It breaks down the top 10 markets across the country that are seeing rent decreases, and increases, by number of bedrooms.

You need to work really hard to decrease the upfront cost. 

U.S. home builders started construction on homes at a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 1.42 million in February, representing a 10.3% decrease from the previous month’s revised figure, the U.S.

Vacant units have also had a hard time getting leased up and rent prices are decreasing (in major metros like SF and Oakland).

Do not buy in any location if the state or metro populations are static or decreasing.

Many Associations will complete proactive exterior pest control or you could push for such a service through your boards at a greatly decreased price. 

Relentlessly focus on looking for ways to increase your income or decrease your expenses so you can save up for the reserves faster.