Large, desireable metro areas with high incomes like Boston have exceeded peak levels, and other areas have not.  

I don't like that on a personal level and I don't like that as an investor owner occupier. 

It is a very competitive market and like all markets has many opportunities for investors at all levels.

I see the way you're doing it and that seems like the next level of specificity we'd be running prospective properties through if we actually were to go check them out.

This all depends on what your current skill level is and how you want to use your license (personal investing vs career change).

Honestly, I agree with them on many levels but my personal financial situation couldn't afford those areas at that time.

Having a house with a yard is a huge plus in my mind so while I think you will get pinched a bit (rent flat to down 10% or longer vacancies of 1-2 months), there will always be a demand for entry level house rentals.

I believe in setting goals, so for my real estate venture,  I want to achieve a level of success where the properties I have are generating enough income to leave the "9 to 5" behind, and provide a value of at least $10,000,000.

Lesson Learned: if it doesn't serve a purpose in your life, let it go early, move forward, and gain ground on purpose.Now, I find myself wanting to get serious and work a wealth-building model that will create wealth through passive income and long term asset growth by solving problems and meeting needs.My high level business model consists of flipping properties (wholesale & rehab) to generate cash down to purchase commercial and MFR properties with reduced financing balances to generate long-term positive cash flows.

The warm water opens pores and lets the fiber glass sink in deeper.