My Realtors all tell me they believe the prices will stay and even grow so it's a tough call.

Bushes grow.  

I have seen quite an increase in rent prices in the Cedar Rapids area. 

It is growing, and most importantly, as mentioned previously, tech companies are definitely starting to move in.  

My rentals would pay my expenses and I can cash out of the house I have in an HOA now, and put that in index funds as another stream of income that I could tap but will just let grow unless I need it during vacancies, major renovations, etc.

All cashflow will be reinvested in real estate to continue building the portfolio, in addition of approximately $20,000 per year cash from savings.First year goals: Create real estate investment strategy based on growing portfolio every year.

They will rent them out for 2 to 3 years as the equity grows and sell for a much higher profit. 

Last crash ('08) was first noticed on the west coast and then spread rapidly to the east coast.  

Looking for some guidance.I presently own a duplex, purchased in 2006 (was my first RE investment) - when I purchased rents were $725, I've now got the rents to $895 per unit, so $1790 per moVacancy is low, however wh...

Once that's become the norm, grow from there into more properties.