Growing up in a polluted creek in Louisiana I like a clean environment. 

However, in this high interest rate environment, cash flow should not be your sole focus when analyzing your return.

The idea that COC always gets better as you put down less on an investment (classic leverage) generally holds true in a low interest rate environment, especially in the "artificially" low interest rate environment created by the Fed.

The rate and risk environment today means many people aren't qualifying for bank financing, especially for investment loans. 

Green buildings (more energy efficient) last longer, sell for more, are more desirable to tenants, and show the community a dedication to healthier, more energy efficient environments.

I guess what I am concerned about is this (from the article):Some of the homes now experiencing flooding problems probably wouldn’t be allowed to be built in those locations today, given current regulations designed to protect the environment and prevent homes from being flooded.

In that environment, most of a passive investor’s concerns related to honesty, transparency, accuracy, and timeliness are managed by the administrator who is a neutral party.

Also, the listing agent wants to get the deal done, so being new to this environment, how would a new investor know what information or disclosures are being left out or over-looked, and from my experience, it's happened. 

In this environment I'd rather be a lender and am. 

I know travel is just another expense, but seems like a lot could be accomplished in person, particularly as a group.way back in the day when I was project lead for a Major west coast syndicator and deals had gone off the rails a little bit I got thrown into running these meetings.. and you talk about a hostile environment..