After reading and hearing multiple sources regarding how much longer this soft market will continue -many think well into 08 and early 09 I'm considering renting.

Valuation Source: First American - VP4.

At this point we are desperate to find a reputable source that can help us with real information.

And finally can you answer this...With the US Dollars value at such a low point compared to foreign currency, why would I buy now?

If it's a homerun pitch though, I'm not going to bunt.I think the value in a HML would be to set up your end buyers that may not have all cash with a funding source for at least a portion of it.

They may be your best source of "financing".

The money source would probably need to be an equity partner.

Hard money for VERY short term transitional funding, or private debt placement or crowd-sourcing under the new SEC guidelines.

Your profession should provide sources of private money.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereLocate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info.

Plus, the income is mostly passive, and what little input it requires can be done here from the office, so it seems foolhardy to cut of a $52,000 source of income right now, even if it is soul crushing.I'll be purchasing a duplex that rents for $1400/mo for $50k down, $50k financed at 4.25% here in a month (780 credit score).