I am 60 years old an tend to be very opinionated but I also will tell some personal stuff to show you that the future is not predictable and your future is dependent on your preparation.  

Ontario is the most pro tenant legislation in North America so be prepared and be well educated before you begin having to deal with tenant issues.

Are you prepared with your exit strategy?

But like almost anything in real estate, most things are highly localized and market specific, and there are definitely:a) Wolves out there pouncing at the opportunity to take your moneyb) Very well intentioned people who just don't know what they're doingc) People who do appear to have a successful track record but can be a bit short-sighted (throwing large sums of money into the real estate game with no regard or proper planning for the next inevitable market shift)d) People who seem to get lucky sometimesande) Guys who are experienced, have a track record, and are prepared to play the long game (are aware of market cycles, have a plan that limits their and/or their investors exposure during potential transition periods between market swings, and so forth)There's probably more but that's my short list off the top of my head.

Thanx to everyone who has responded so far.I ask because I've been preparing a presentation on Debt Strategies focusing on three primary strategies:Debt AccelerationDebt "Snowball"Debt ReductionThis is geared toward W2 people, mostly.

I am remote in another state, but told my manager to give the cops the keys to enter if needed so they don't have to bust down the door.I have no idea what they are there for at this point but I am preparing for the worst.What would you do?

Lots of rot and now I don't regret gutting the house in preparation for DIY teardown.

I KNEW that property was worth in its current condition 100K EASILY but I told him I would have to pass and only ended up buying the other house in the not as great area because I was scared about the overall condition of the first house and I didn't know what other huge problems might have been lurking that I wouldn't have been financially prepared to tackle during the renovation.

We have a prospectus prepared, and are anticipating a 5% secured yield for a short term (~1 month) hard money loan.

To the extent where you can look at a listing and pics for about 30 seconds and tell if worth further pursuing.Create your own advantage.................. is when you are prepared and seeing  an opportunity.