July 2009 is the latest Case Shiller data, and it shows a 10% decline from July 2007.

Some things to me are obvious, like (1) don't invest in economies that are diversified (2) invest in places like college towns, since there's always renters available (3) do invest in places that are growing (4) do not invest in places that are declining. 

If after you decline their application and they should decide to push the issue, you can ask them to show their proof of rent payments for the last 2 years (or however long you want to go back).

Other investors have approached me as a Realtor and I will kindly decline their offer should they use other agents.

Neighborhood is average quality, but property values have declined 5% a year, for last six years.These are my initial numbers:4 one-bedroom apts.

:) Are you preparing yourself for the inevitable decline that always occurs after a run up, or do you think it will continue for a long time?

If the market flattened or declined, you might be safer.Under option B, if the market keeps going up, you'll make a lot more.

The neighborhood seemed reasonably solid when I bought it, but has since been in decline (drug dealing, gang activity, fights in the street, speeding cars with loud stereos).

In my case the areas seem relatively safe (C neighborhood, low crime- definitely not a war zone) but have declining populations and housing prices seem like they will only decline in the near future...

I made an offer on a six unit in Hagerstown sight unseen and by some stroke of luck my offer was declined.