I don't have enough data to assess the accuracy of the 50% rule.

Specifically, I want to evaluate a few markets for the purpose of buy-and-hold, cash-flow investment in residential properties (single-family houses or 2- to 4-unit multi-family properties), so I'm curious about the process employed by other investors to assess and contrast a handful of markets when determining where to invest.

One friend bought four, all mortgaged, in the last year and another has bought over two dozen over the last few years.I agree with you about ARM's, though.

Certainly Andrew was not sure that assessment was correct so he asked.

And the neighborhood is fairly decent.Thats still cook county though but the numbers are great and the area is decent.But watch out for the taxes in Cook County.A house I have in richton park is assessed by the county at 135k and my taxes are over 5k.

You can easily read the book in one sitting to learn more (skip the first dozen chapters, they are fluff).

Hence everyone needs to have an objective assessment to his own ability in order to decide what to do.

It all boils down to the numbers and assessing what return you what to receive.

I would just remind everyone to review their property tax assessed value.

Well, we have about a dozen tenants lined up, begging us to lease it to them for $1,500/month, which was our target.