One Relative and One friend did in the beginning.The 95% of my friends and family considered it a big risk solely based on lack of cash flow and ignored the IRR or just really didn't understand it.Now, almost ALL of them are priced out of the NYC Market.That is NOT hyperbole, that is just FACT.

I believe it is not a problem of cash flow but rather of poor management and lack of incentive to pay. 

I didn't start off with ringing in the ears - that began after I saw a chiropractor to address my original symptoms (prickles in hands and feet, short term memory loss, lack of focus).

Both have performed relatively well only bested by my scant amount of Apple stock I think :-)

My question is should I avoid foreclosures, or listing sites such as realtor.com, zillow.com, etc..I know I'm looking for the deal rather than the house, but given my lack of experience.

Apple changed it INtel changed it.. and now well its just what it is.. 

I'm thinking in terms of a long long term hold, possible 20yrs +...Would love to hear from long term folks/pros on how to weather that or anticipate and "rebalance" your portfolio, for lack of a better term.

Boutiques are obviously smaller, don’t have name recognition and usually lack formal training, branded marketing products with partner vendors and it’ll rely on you to get most of not all software for prospecting and databases but the commission splits are typically more favorable and it’s a smaller family feel.

I've found that using rentometer.com has lacked in the projected rent rates for the last few years. 

This is 100% something that the lender should have known, and should have informed you of far before the week of closing because they should have seen that on your paystubs/lack thereof.