However, Zillow is led by very forward thinking individuals, and I wonder if they are hedging their bets against the uncertain future of real estate agents by piloting their "Instant Offers" program.

I've never heard of such a rule but I'm wondering if some of the more seasoned investors have.

However, we're interested in jumping into the property rental investment side of things and wondering if this is a good time to do that. 

Leaving you to wonder, "why can't I seem to get any deals??"

We may consider turning 1-2 units into short-term rental properties so that we have increased income from those but stable income from the others.I'm just wondering if I am missing anything with the numbers.

What I'm wondering is if people have language in lease or otherwise spelling out what happens if lease is broken.

This is a basic layout of what's happening in my head, but I'm wondering if I'm oversimplifying things:At Year 0:Value - $150,000Debt - $100,000Equity - $50,000At Year 1:Value - $156,000 (assuming 4% appreciation)Debt - $98,653 (30 yr. @ 5.50%)Equity - $57,347At Year 2:Value - $162,240 (again assuming 4% appreciation)Debt - $97,230Equity - $65,010My question is, is it possible at the end of year 2 to expect to be able to cash-out refi at ~80% of the equity ($52,008) I have in the property and recoup my original investment?

@John WarrenI have also wondered this, what a good way to put it in perspective John.

Me too! I have been doing all kinds of research to put an actual number on it, but have come up totally blank... Does anyone have any suggestions? Or is there some kind of data gathering companies I could try? Thanks ...

Hello , I have the option to purchase a fixer upper and i was wondering should I get an appraisal on the property in its current condition......