The being said, I feel like there is definitely some middle ground to mitigate risk.

Practically speaking that means if property is being purchased to rehab and flip a risk is being taken if improvements are made before the 120-day redemption period expires."

All depends on what you would like to get out of your investment and your risk tolerance.  

You'll start getting the returns you're looking for...some money, education, and experience with less risk.

I would say 99% of MLS or board of realtor sales contracts have a due diligence section in them by default you can waive it or make offers sub too it.. 95% of people buying real estate use a due diligence clause unless you have a smokin deal and don't want to risk losing it in a very competitive market like say VEGAS right now.

My first buy an hold opportunity..Triplex - Fully occupiedlisting price $170,000 (DOM: 73, CDOM: 257)Unit A & B: 2/1, Unit C: 1/1All 3 units rent for $550 (room for increased rents)*Seller is willing to carry back a first trust deed with a 20% to a 30% cash down, 3-5 years at a 8% interest rate. 

If the risk is higher with the person you are loaning money to - the interest earned should be higher than the interest on a muni bond if it is considered a safer investment.

It depends on your risk tolerance but I don't like to go more than 60-70% as long as I stay cash flow positive.

Simple process,  no tax implications, just some small due on sale risks.  

Jim,, we are seeing that here in PDX as well... and I am good with a market that does not have multiple offers.. it makes it very hard for people and agents to make a living if you only have a 1 in 10 shot of buying the house you want..so some stability and slowing down in my mind is a good thing.but what I see on BP is people read the hyperbole articles that misquote things.. and the next thing you know they are worried its 2008 all over again.. which ( and I could be wrong of course) but none of my bankers or those in know in finance world think is a risk.. only risk would be metros losing major employment.. then it affects everyone landlords businesss and prices..