IMO, a house, like an equity mutual fund is a MINIMUM of a 5 year commitment, that's strike one against buying.From what I read FL is in an bit of a downturn in real estate, depending on which market, so prices may fall further, that's strike two.Also from what I read your property tax and homeowner's insurance bills are in a huge state of flux right now.

Surely, students will be going out in the spring and back in the fall.

Sure people go to Aspen and Vail in the summer and fall, but not in great numbers.

I'm in the Metro Orlando area (Osceola, Seminole, Orange, Brevard, Volusia counties) and I was told the best strategy for me (excellent credit, no home, about $5K in cash) was to trade-up given the market here in Cent...

The two housing markets were moving in the opposite direction.Buffalo NY and Dayton OH have had falling populations for over 20 years.

That can mean the area that was going up faster can lag or fall behind later.Originally posted by "ROYAL-T":You mentioned "staying power", are you referring to ability to make the mortgage payments if there is no renter?

It is good to start and to not fall into the trap of being a professional RE student.

As has been pointed out the tenant can move out, damage the place and the value of the house can fall.

if anything is falling then its the newspapers and "interruption advertising" such as TV commercials and such.There are tons of ways to advertise on the web.

In other words, if the deal falls through, you could still be liable to the buyer's agent, depending on the circumstances.