Excellent point @Andrew Syrios.I think a lot of people miss that when looking at real estate investing as a way to get out of a job.I've got 39 houses (with 2 more closings in the next few weeks) and I still would never think of quitting my full time job.  

Baltimore is an excellent rental market, DC good also, though DC prices are significantly more expensive.

Here are a few sources:http://www.crimemapping.com/http://www.goccp.maryland.gov/msac/crime-statistic...On the right hand bar of this page you have excel stats. http://www.goccp.maryland.gov/msac/crime-analysis-...

Thank you, @Zach Mitchell  That was excellent advice. 

I'm accustomed to working in Excel and find this much easier to follow than the financial calculators!  

There are many wonderful people here that are excellent to network with.

As in the US, very few buyers will buy a property online - most of them will engage a team that knows the market, neighborhood and can provide excellent service.

That's tough to say.A 6 unit would be considered a commercial property and likely will have a higher interest rate as well as require a bigger downpayment.Usually they want you to wait 6 months to refinance.I don't think you will get a 4.5% interest rate unless you have excellent credit as well as a good percentage of money down on the loan.  

Our strategy is only possible if you have a great credit score/excellent limits on the cards, and also-- my partner and I do 90% of the renovations ourselves.    

My personal Docter had been telling me for about 30 years that I was in excellent shape and my chiropractor saved my life with suggesting I get a head X-ray that is called a MRI.