The result has been an increase in residential rental stock and a corresponding uptick in vacancy - which has put downward pressure on rents, particular in older {converted} properties.Couple this with a decline in university enrolment and properties prices which are very full {too high in many aspects} and the deals worth pursuing are growing further apart.You can still find a student house or 2-4 unit in the hill area with potential - just be certain anything that is listed generally be a priced high and/or you'll have deferred maintenance to correct.The price of available stock is just as high when you are looking at larger multi-units ... thanks to the "Killam Effect" you will find owners expecting 85 - 100K / unit for buildings in City core.There's no concern with anyone "stomping in my territory" - in fact, I would be more than happy to help you and your local partner find something ... the key trait at the moment is patience.While we are still open to new acquisitions, we are focusing on improving the efficiency of our existing properties to ensure we remain competitive (economically and amenity-wise) with the new properties coming on-line.

However they ALL have a place to elect of decline opting for a financing contingency.

If offer does not conform to those guidelines, short sale will be declined and likely no offer from that buyer will be considered in the future.

Is the market improving, flat, or declining locally??

Any insight as to future appreciation/depreciation, growth/decline, true rent ratios, vacancy rates, market demand, social aspects, and/or anything else important would be greatly appreciated.

The factor that prevented your taxes from dramatically increasing when property values were on the rise will now keep your taxes from significantly decreasing despite declining property values.

I declined since I should have made 1/3 of that in less than a month.

Are the homes in the area all well kept and going up in value, or is it a declining neighborhood?

Real estate is local...I'd be very surprised if there weren't parts of the country in a declining market at any given time...

When rents fall, things like Lehman Brothers happen and the real property market declined.