I track everyone going in and out of a clients house for numerous reasons. 

Looking good and about 90 day out from getting our C of O and already have numerous inquiries by perspective tenants.

Having numerous properties that all positively cash flow, plus will most likely appreciate in 15-20 years, should provide wealth.

The numbers are key and can be the majority of the deal, but the actual asset, location and condition are extremely important as well and those aren't broken down numerically.

Some of the things that i do if I'm unsure of my numers is have a contractor walk the property with me while I am in the early stages of my due diligence.

Where I diverge is that there are numerous factors that can push up prices beyond just plain old affordability or law of large numbers1) Greater shift into real estate related investments by investors, which is already happening.

I personally haven't tried your strategy but I have financed and re financed numerous properties.

She cuts corners in other areas as well - She is in default on her lease on several of the terms (the only tenant with no deposit, stores numerous items large & small in the shared basement without paying rent and she causes problems with the neighbors (more than any of the other tenants.)

I agree that the ingredients implicit in Detroit's fall are too numerous to consider and are only hypothesis at best.

And of course the DTC, DTCC and Cede and Co. now own 98%+ of North American mortgages after their numerous staged 'crashes' in the last century plus... but I digress.)"