Inventory is low, especially on the single family side, and competition is high in the core areas.

Verifying last 2-years of rental history and income/employment extremely important to find the “best of the worst”.Tenant Default: 20-30% probability of eviction or early lease termination.Section 8: Class D rents meet program requirements, often challenges to pass Section 8 inspection.Vacancies: 20%+, depending on market conditions and tenant screening.Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciation.Where did we get our FICO credit score information from?

I come in with a low ball offer “as is” for them to take it or leave it.

I think basements as additional living space - assuming the basement is finished nicely, has egress, is free of radon, and is professionally waterproofed - are great ideas.However, we've had low success rates leasing even semi-below-grade apartments.

Competed foreclosures, the final phase, were up 32% year over year.Florida, South Carolina and Illinois led the nation in state foreclosure filings. we are still at all-time lows for foreclosures. they will continue to rise in the future and may get closer to the norm but I would say its doubtful. 

I’d consider dollar cost averaging in a low fee total stock market index fund and when you get closer to moving out start putting money into high yield savings or similar for your down payment. 

(Your wife thinks of this as low risk because you aren't borrowing.

On the flip side, some list aggressively low to move fast and end up leaving money on the table when the property has hidden issues.Here’s a real example from earlier this year:A client had 1540 Wardle under contract at $399K.

Ultra-low interest rates and quite low RE prices.

Hi, my wife and I have moved in with family member and rented out or paid off primary residence that apprised for $171,000 for $1,200/month I understand that is low for the value.