To answer your question about Memphis, there is not much appreciation here as it is a very lineal market.Cash flow is what brings people here.

Do your math to find your cash flow and don't worry about the "rule" 

Hello All, this is my 1st time posting on Bigger Pockets although I read many, many, many posts… I’ve been looking for ways to get started or create cash flow until I make my 1st rental purchase and realized I’ve been sitting on a gold mine.

As a solar energy consultant for SolarCity I have been working with portfolio investors, helping them add value to their residential rental properties with clean solar energy, without tying up any cash flow.

My criteria is a multi-family property with the intent to buy and hold for cash flow. 

I thought the price point was too high to cash flow, I would love to discuss this further!

This is obviously location and property specific, but we're working with partial numbers so far...let's assume you'd want to stay in the cabin on vacation:)  If we find a place for $300k with 25% down at 5% interest, conduct $50k of value-add rehab...renting it 12 weeks/year breaks the project even on a cash-flow basis incorporating all costs.  

I also am looking at current prices and see positive cash flow opportunities for rentals. 

The cash flow can support a straight note.

I'm fairly new to BP and am in the process of creating a plan to improve my cash flow.