If there is a significant rate decrease, it will be because the economy is struggling and needs the boost that lower rates can provide.

I choose things that don't cost too much that I can add to the property, which will boost the house into the next higher tier. 

.- Limited personal involvement and liability: You're more of a passive investor and you liable for just your investment amount.Cons:- Limited control: You have limited influence on the project and property management decisions.- Fees: Crowdfunding platforms often charge fees, which can impact your overall returns.- Market Risk: Real estate markets can be unpredictable, affecting the success of the project and the potential returns for investors.What have been your experiences with these methods?

This would boost your likelihood of hitting stronger cashflow.  

Your choice of financing will indeed impact your down payment requirements and cash for closing, and it will influence the areas that make the most sense for your investment strategy.In a nutshell, it's best to advise on what location would work once you explore or lock down your lending type.

.- Maximize rents and add value to boost the building value.- Educate yourself in the commercial work, start networking with investors and brokers.

But I do believe that right now politically housing prices going down would be the least of the governments/politicians problems maybe even beneficial, but that could change quickly and the government will again boost prices with QE low interest rates etc.  

Investors will look at this and a lot of other things which can influence their own desirability for the property & if they want to pursue it. 

Ideally the listing agent is supposed to market it correctly and use their sphere of influence to sell the thing 

What are your expectations for the near future of the real estate market that might influence when/how you invest?