Originally posted by @John Nachtigall:I think the people who believe that owning rental real estate makes them immune from a downturn are being unrealistic.   

If you are not experienced in rehabbing properties, this could be quite unrealistic.

I've had friends sell their houses on craigslist and Facebook in days without issue, but keep in mind that many fsbo listing's don't get sold because the owner is unrealistic, doesn't end up on the mls to get the exposure, or buyers are steered away by the "professional" they are trusting in who is looking out only for their next winning lotto ticket. 

Trying to rent a dirty place is unrealistic and unprofessional. 

The deal always ends up falling apart because the seller is a pain to deal with, doesn't negotiate in good faith, has unrealistic expectations about price, their house, the market and the process. 

@Steve Osowicz  I wasn't specific because I just wanted to know if my general goal was unrealistic.

Are askings typically that unrealistic that a 1/2 price offer with 70% owner financing (typical around here) might get accepted?

If you end up with a long term tenant, you quickly fall behind market rents, so banking on rents rising is an unrealistic strategy. 

I'm trying to figure out if this exists in Moncton or if it's unrealistic.   

I've been getting properties for the past month from a local realtor, but it seems that achieving a cash flow positive rental property is unrealistic in this area given that prices on properties are quite high within a saturated market.I have looked at properties in nearby towns (~1 hour away) and it seems that there is more potential with regards to achieving cash flow, but likely with less appreciation given the area.What are peoples thoughts on this?