Hello ladies and gentleman, I have been following this message board for a few months and have read the ebook from biggerpockets, but wanted to hear some first hand opinions on what you believe would be the best route to generate a profit and continue to grow my portfolio. 

5.Is continued employment likely? 

Short term I would probably continue to work my day job while I am learning the ropes.

Does that mean depreciation continues at the same level?  

See recent article in Portland Press Herald: https://www.pressherald.com/2018/08/20/short-term-...Safer route is to continue to rent.

My prediction is that home prices will continue to fall in areas dependent on the L trains until a month or two before they shut down the line - then I think prices will stay low until maybe half a year before the project is completed (there will be light at the end of the tunnel, pun intended), at which point prices will rise to all time highs.  

I have never had a problem putting a new loan on them at that point with the original or a new lender at current interest rates.But that's generally because A) the properties had appreciated in value and B) there is quite a bit of principal pay-down on 20 year amm in the first 5 years.My decision has always been more about do I want to pull more money out, roll it into another 20 year product and lower the payment or continue paying it off on a 15 year schedule.To deal with those questions and answer your question about 'protection', is kind of a personal business decision.

We are continuing to do our research and learn about the different flood zones and requirements.

I found a guy willing to install a furnace at 6 a.m. when he was super busy,  I continue to use him and he gives me great service and replaces when necessary at a good rate.

I feel that at this point since I have no money saved up and no real connections in the business, it would be best for me to just continue reading and learning as much as I can and communicating to people.