Forget about the complicated stuff like cap rates, which aren't really used on single family, and definitely don't buy hoping for appreciation.  

Yours sound like single agency.

. , I believe right now a well seasoned CA note on single family residence on highly desirable area can bring 90%+ from a large investor or fund.On your chattel note question.. almost everything is for sale if the price is right.

There are two exceptions - (1) people who out of sheer luck purchase property just before a large run-up in prices because of either inflation or the luck of being in the right place at the right time and hanging on to the property, can obtain a large degree of wealth without great knowledge or education in real estate and (2) those wanting to fix and flip single family homes can develop a nice business without the heavy education and experience I noted above.  

I know that he is right as she is probably baiting us to make a mistake but why she is dragging out the eviction when she isn't living there is just beyond comprehension to me.She's now compiled an eviction on her record, her boyfriends and her 18 year old son....seems counter productive given that we offered a workout several times in a way that wouldn't leave an eviction on their record.Rick

Below is current data on median rental rates for single family homes in Austin broken down by MLS area.Here is a map of Austin MLS areas:Here are the 30 areas in Austin with the highest median single family rents: Here are the 30 areas in Austin with the lowest median single family rents:I hope some of you find this helpful!

My wife and I are just about to jump into the real estate investment arena with a single-family home in our neighborhood that we hope to successfully manage as a rental property.

You can lock those in with a variety of owner occupant loan products (FHA, VA, USDA, etc) and reap the cash flow for years to come.Central Arkansas (like many mid west or southeast metro areas) has many neighborhoods that have a very high rental to price ratio.

Most of our flips have been fairly extensive and we pride ourselves on putting out a very nice product, we average around $25k to $30k per rehab.

If its a duplex, odds are in your favor that both units wont go vacant unexpectedly, however if its a single family and it goes vacant, I would tack on an extra month since you wont be getting any rental income.