Yes, you can earn high yield most the time, you could have a mediocre return, you could buy at the peak and suffer a recession, and you could lose money.

At the same time, if we do get into a recession or economic downturn, those areas with weak demand will virtually dry up and it doesn't matter what you do to stand out if there is no one to market to.I only look at markets where the demand rating is over 80% with occupancy rates that are stable or growing.

This last jump in prices is the first I've seen since the Great Recession.

4br/3ba SFR1900+ sqftLot: 6,655 sqftBuilt: 1988Location: Palmdale, CA (Far East side, Think 50th and Ave R) - 60mi Northeast of LANeeds $50K renovations (big ticket items - Kitchen: refinish cabinets (not replace), stone counters, tile backsplash, faucets, appliances, tile flooring, recessed lighting - Master Bath: Stone (or less expensive alternative) counters, recessed lighting, new double mirrors, double faucets, glass shower enclosure, new tub, new toilet, tile flooring, replace broken windows - Back Patio: Refresh and replace all rotted wood on patio cover; paint) -- Main level: laminate wood flooring -- Upper level: Carpet throughout) - Roof Good, Plumbing good, HW Heater may need to be replaced, HVAC will need inspection and cleaning.

Those who bought in the downturn of the recession or in the few years after have made the lions share of the money they’ll make on those properties.

Historically, have lenders accelerated loans at higher rates during recessions?

One more thing to think about - some of these C/D properties were high risk during the last real estate recession. 

Bought on 10/27/2017 for $461k, in escrow on 12/1/2017 with a list price of $585k.Rehab looks like it was basic cosmetic remodel, including:paint (ext/int), some exterior facade, windows, roof, cabinets and countertops, appliances, fixtures, recessed lighting, flooring, trim, electrical outlets/switches/covers, HVAC, doors, landscaping, etc.Their finishes look pretty standard and formula-based - basic fixtures, windows, laminate flooring in main living areas and carpet in bedrooms, about 12 +/- recessed lights (kitchen, family room and bathrooms only), single center ceiling light fixtures in the bedrooms, standard appliances, nicely finished standard cabinets with nice Quartz counters.It's what I would consider well updated with generally standard to some above standard quality.

Would you keep saving more money while waiting for the  market to start a recession/crash as it could be in the near future?

During the last recession, I was able to acquire several properties [including single family, homes, offices, multifamily properties and retail] and was able to stabilize my portfolio.