Deal flow is king in this market and you either need to have it or to invest with someone who does.Done correctly, passive investing does not simplify life during your learning curve but it does afterwards.If you can predict economic cycles, forget about real estate and short (or long) the stock market...much easier than messing with REI.Stick with good sponsors, cash flow, add value, prudent debt, and reserves...good recipe at any point in the cycle.And if you are investing passively, consider assets classes other than just MF.

My fiancé and I bought another house shortly after the one I purchased for a primary residence in a neighborhood that has a lot of room for appreciation.

Short of trying to get a stay, what would some of you do if you were us?

I still have a lot of Baja to discover...4.

We are still new at this and may not be taking everything into correct consideration, but we are looking to get the best return on our investment, both short and long term.

@Jeff A. the short answer is that yes, this is entirely possible. 

Edmonton Alberta CanadaI am very new to real estate and am currently renting a property through a property management  company .After doing some market research I have discovered the neighborhood I reside is rising in value quite rapidly (riverside location beautiful parks and recreational area's )Now my question to everyone (pardon my ignorance)If I wanted to approach the house owner regarding a Lease option would I try to get his information from the property management company or would I contact the property management company about wanting to lease option.I feel as though it would conflict against the property management company seeing as how they make money from me renting .Any advice would be appreciated immensely !

Life gets hectic sometimes and they're only little for a short time. 

Susan - The short answer is normally the liens are wiped out by the tax sale, and subsequent quiet title lawsuit. 

If I were you, I would make my primary short term objective to analyze as many deals as possible to understand what is out there to come up with a realistic target.