I see Real Estate the same way, it's the most effective way to grow capital without much reliance on the stock market like most other investments I've been introduced to.

Just like there was too much reliance on buying for appreciation pre 08  there is far to much reliance or those that sell turn key for a living like many on this site do.. on Cash flow in out of state markets..

Baltimore absolutely has its issues (I, personally, wouldn't live there due to the schools and crime), but as the saying goes "Live where you want to live, Invest where the numbers make sense".Some things to note as an investor: high property tax rate (but assessments tend to be lower), high reliance on voucher tenants, city government is a PIA to deal with.Get a great Realtor, get a licensed property manager (PMs aren't required to be licensed in MD, FYI) and start scouting neighborhoods.

Practical self-reliance and workbench artisanry, they meant nothing as national virtues.

No, probably not, at 60% LTV, yes that may fly with less concern.Much of it will be about the deal, the parties, collateral, LTV, and how much reliance there will be given to an audit trail of the transaction.

I focus elsewhere, my biggest fear with Great Falls is the reliance on the base and the one trick pony nature of a missile base.

Betting on the government reliance is not a great end game. 

Pray tell, what substantive facts are you in reliance on?

returns are fine.. its the over reliance on OPM that will make returns go up or down.. when i started lending in 02 for turnkey model which was basically brand new.

Too Much Reliance on OthersAnother downside of long distance real estate investing is that you will not have much control over the day to day activities at your rental property.