Is it crazy to invest in real estate when the market is clearly at a peak? 

I just became a first time landlord, and I'm wondering what you guys think (I posted most of this in new member intros, but at the speed the forum moves I think posts get only looked at by a few locals, so I hope it's okay to repost this here.)The property is a 1br condo in NoVA (northern VA) that we bought since my wife was working down there, but she now found a job nearby (in NH).

@Anjana Vakil   I've been working the Austin market for 15 years and I'd say we're very close to peaking price-wise.

I recommend Eddie Speed, in Texas.

I don't know the conditions that exist with that property, I mentioned staring with the motivations and needs of the seller, not your burning desire to own a property, can that hill even be approached at the speed you desire?

We experienced the hot peaking with El Nino in I believe 1987.The sun is on the verge of a very quiet period very similar to the Maunder Minimum, 400 years ago, that correlates with the last mini ice age where the canals in the Netherlands froze over. 

On that note I'm learning  at neck breaking  speed and I know bigger pockets is a god sent community.

I love the house and 5 acres , If I don't find  a lender to speed up the closing I will start looking at other properties.

In the vacation world, especially at peak seasons, it is normal to collect the total balance 6 weeks out (non-refundable). 

This is one of several signs I see that the residential side is peaking and it is only a matter of time before it turns the corner.