And in today's market, if the Fed's actions have their desired effect, appreciation will be going negative as well.So until the markets settle back down, and interest rates come down, and (hopefully) housing prices come back in line (with at least interest rates) it is really an uphill battle to try and buy into most properties today.  

@Yiming Li If the dog stays indoors, they will scratch the floor/carpet, rub their face on the corners of the walls, fleas, piss on the carpet, dog hair, and the smell of the dog will be in the house.

If you can tap into the 5-7 bedroom market, you'll be battling less competition and can generally command a higher ROI.  

I smelled cigarette smoke the second I entered the front door! 

Talk about what they'd like to see in an operating agreement and get a lawyer to draw it up for you just in case the deal turns sour, you've got it legally backed up to protect your butt... you won't be having to fight a he said she said battle in court.

Aloha,You should carefully consider if that is a battle you want to fight.

Some battles aren't worth fighting.  

Recently had a storm blow a transformer near a LTR of mine, now I have to replace the oven which was affected by the blowout(fire department showed up when tenant smelled burning wires) -Septic tank and Well water.

It has been a life long battle of being somewhat shy , being afraid to approach people, and being the center of attention, even if there is only two or three of us.

From an appreciation standpoint NOVA currently wins that battle, but I have high hopes that in the next 5ish years Baltimore will be a completely different city (all speculation of course).Good luck with your decision!