@May Goldberg smaller multi-residential properties are difficult to price using cap rates, since they are not always owned as straight investments (many owners will live in one unit, while renting out the others).

Sounds like there's Isn't a silver bullet that'll guaranteed which side the balance is going to tip when economy is unstable.

I am debating whether I should buy 2 fourplexes or one large apartment building (5+ units).The loan would either be commercial or residential.Is it more difficult to get a commercial loan?

Is it balanced and have the coils been cleaned?

Typically a HELOC has a draw period of 10 years at interest only payments, keeping the monthly payment low then any remaining balance after the 10 years will be amitorized over 20 years. 

A nearby developer not only gave us the dirt, but they paid for the bulk of hauling it to us (as they had to get take it offsite as the site was not balanced).  

Perma-bears love precious metals, and try to stay primarily in these physical goods: Risky.I think a diverse and balanced approach is your wisest path toward financial health and asset protection.

I've had a interest in real estate for a while, but it's been difficult to find money, time, and education to get started.

How can I incorporate a proper value - say the latest real estate appraisal- into the balance sheet for each property?

Still, current projected rent is $3,200/month.Current owner (in keeping with the deferred maintenance theme) has very few financial records but does prove up the following actual numbers:-Property taxes, $1,900/year-Insurance, $2,320/year-Owner-paid utilities, $3,429/yearEstimated:-10% vacancy-10% management-15% for maintenance/repairs, and -Reserving $700/month for CAPEXBOTTOM LINE is $34,560 net rental income less $24,700 expenses = $9,900 NOI.Offered $95,000 with $10,000 reimbursed at closing for immediate CAPEX (roof and A/C units).  20% down, loan on balance ($76k) at 6% for 30 years.Cap rate with $400/month rents is 10.1%, cash ROI is 20.3%, and annual cash flow is $4,400.