Good luck on your decision, especially if you select condos.

Is this simply a company policy decision?

This will help you with your decision.

It will be easily the best beginning decision in RE Investing you could make.

However, I'm basing my poor estimate on past houses I have owned with gas heat.

I have important decisions to make.

So if a property in poor condition sold for 125,000, if they cannot find other fixed up comps they are supposed to add 10%.In this market, most of the properties that you can buy at wholesale prices will be trashed and not qualify for cheap financing.

But, for the type of people here on BP, there are a couple different rationales (yours above and Rich's above that) for why owning a home can be a financially intelligent decision.

Of course, location is always a factor in RE investments, so that can play a part in your decision.

The more knowledgeable you are the better you'll be at making better decisions.