So make bad pictures as hard for an appraiser to take as you can.When you meet the appraiser, be wearing the most expensive duds you own and be driving the most expensive car you can rent.

It's one of those "least nice properties in a nice area" situations; I'd be looking at holding the property over the long term and there is ample new, high-quality construction occurring in the neighborhood, which is situated in the heart of the most desirable downtown area in my city.

@Joanna Golden the bad news is it sounds like no expenses to claim this year.

Don't feel bad. 

The bad thing about the internet is it's got everything in it.

If so, that isnt too bad.

As you stand, you are foregoing any equity appreciation on possible acquisitions because you won't be able to buy due to lack of liquidity and possibly bad credit.   

Perhaps I'm being unreasonable and I'm the one who's in the wrong here, I'd appreciate any feedback or similar experiences.Everyone keeps saying that the first investments usually end up being bad investments and you learn from mistakes, so I suppose this was bound to happen because a smooth sailing first buy is just too good to be true :)

Or are they ALL getting bad deals?

Matt: my first  comment is that the market in that area is not troubled because of Trump; in fact, if the economy had not finally started roaring the last couple years, there might be some bad headlines.