Does it make sense to invest in real estate in 2018

[Animesh Das]

Hello,

Beginner real estate investor here.

I have 2 condos in bay area, 1 in fremont, and 1 in hayward, I bought fremont one in July 2012 and hayward one in Oct 2014.

I am considering selling both and consolidating into to a multifamily property ( 4 or more units) in bay area, or 6 or more units in Sacramento area.

I have 1.5M budget, with 25% down payment and and rest conventional financing.

But looking at the cap rates, GRM and net income listed on sites like redfin and loopt, I am wondering if it makes sense to invest in real estate in 2018.

The property prices are very high and there will be barely any returns after expenses.

So need the advice of pros on this forum. Does it make sense to execute my plan in 2018? Or should I hold on my existing condos? Or should I sell but invest in mutual funds.

Any advice is highly appreciated.

Thank you,

Animesh