I'd be interested to hear others that have specific experience with them. 

But, property in certain specific parts of our country have shown price declines (in real terms, accounting for inflation) over the last 50 years. 

If you have any specific questions I would be glad to answer!

Hello all I'm new to bigger pockets I've been learning about real estate and the different ways real estate can benefit me now that I have a plan and know more specifically what I want out of it I'm just stuck on how I should go about buying my first rental property

Specifically multi family 1-2 year terms.  

What are some red flags I should look out for when screening tenants in general, and specifically section 8 tenants?

I would eat the costs and fix the yard and either install a sprinkler or pay a PM company to water it.

Quote from @Jordan Budke: I'm in the Southern CA area; more specifically San Diego County.

I can't say specifically since I only know what you posted, but first you need to make sure your own financial house is in order (savings, etc.) - and then for a property, you need down payment + closing costs + reserves.  

So my response is assuming you are referring to residential lending specifically.