So my question is, for markets where the price to buy in is so high, is it worth the investment because of other factors, i.e. desirable location, low vacancies, presumed high appreciation?

A house you live in is nothing but an expensive doo-dad like a boat or car.

I've also read posts about successful investors who only wholesale.Also out of curiosity, what area of Chicagoland do you live/invest in? I

Usually they'll tack on about 1.6 % extra to lock it in . I

Only other thing you need to factor in is vacancy and maintenance, however, I have learned that the tenants that are attracted to single fam rentals as opposed to apartments are less transient and more family oriented.

It's all about what space you transact in. I

When I clicked on the link that took me to the Prospect site to get more information, it listed a bunch of states (including mine) that they are not lending in. I

Thanks Jon Holdman that was alot to take in!I

But again, the county I live in is small and very rural.

I think the best city to invest in is always the one that you know best.