That will be your best bet.

Hi Jeff,8-12% is a safe bet depending on how intensive you want the management company's services to be.

Sacrifice something in your life and leverage (safely) with these low interest rates.

If you can live in a house for a year (and fix it up some), then move out and buy/live in another while renting out the first, you can "safely" start investing in real estate.  

I would bet this trend continues.

Better safe than sorry.How do you deal with the risk of gas leaks or CO2 threats?

@Tristan Roth I bet there's already many Reia group(s,) in your area.

I am from bayarea and exploring out of state investment options.One of my friend moved to NC recently and he is recommending to invest in either in holly springs or Fuquay-Varina. properties in holly springs went up in last one year. i have seen some properties in FV which are below < 350k range and rents around 1500-1800$. if my goal is property appreciation, which one would be the better bet. or are there any other areas which has potential to grow down the line other than these 2 areas?

It was a year when all bets were off and the numbers reflect that.

If you're buying a house, just go buy it and ask the seller to take 3% off the price, or allow them to keep the extra 3% to sweeten the deal...If you're selling your flip or whatever, there are plenty of vehicles that allow you to safely do so and offer varying degrees of assistance depending on your experience and tolerance levels.