If you are in no hurry to own a personal residence, then you shouldn’t feel pressured to buy one first.

I'm lucky to have a very high income at my day job but it comes with the territory - its high pressure and I work long-hours.. so that is holding me back from investing in physical real estate.

That said, price to buy in these areas is high, and both Portland and South Portland are feeling the pressure to regulate the STR industry, so be aware of the local politics in whatever area you choose.

There is normally an inverse relationship with interest rates and asset prices.As interest rates rise - asset prices normally decreaseAs interest rates fall - asset prices normally increaseWhile it is true that potentially your buying power would decrease - but home prices should fall allowing you to look at about the same style of houses.Don't let your agent pressure you into buying a house.

Depending on what the exact temperature is plus the humidity divided by the barometric pressure.........

NOD - Owner’s are under a lot of pressure a this point and if you can find them via public records you can approach them and find a way to help them and get a good deal in doing so.

If anyone pressures someone quickly there is a reason behind it and it's not good many times.I know nothing of this company or how they work I am just talking about seminars in general.  

I wished I started younger so there wasn't as much pressure!

Trust your gut and intuition...if it feels like a dog & pony show with a lot of flash & money & sales pressure...it's most likely just that.

In some of those major markets you listed, price pressures will make it very difficult to get to 1% as some investors are banking on appreciation.