Quote from @Luis Pereiro: Quote from @Jay Hinrichs: what position that's an important factor.. bare land notes generally sell for a 20 to 30% yield. 

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

Knowing the Fort Collins market and it's price points a little bit, it doesn't sound like you're capitalized quite enough to get started flipping, especially when factoring in risk (properties in the $300-400k range will be high risk, not good locations).

Another thing about most suburbs is that the property taxes can be brutal which needs to be factored in to your analysis.The biggest thing is where ever you buy, you need to feel comfortable living in AND upon move out, the property needs to cash flow. 

It depends on a variety of factors. 

Considering all the factors in today's real estate market, how would you guys recommend investing this money? 

. - What driving factors should I take into account when l'm looking for an up n' coming hot markets?

Assorted things.Realistically, on a triplex that's not fully rehabbed, without assuming tenant damages I'd be factoring in roof, flooring, HVAC at minimum on nothing more than a 10 year cycle (5 is safer).

They don't even have two-factor authentication (e.g., SMS code on login), or at least don't enforce it for me since I chose to signup using Google.

- How do you factor in the costs of rezoning or obtaining permits, if necessary?