I recommend you search the 70% rule and read those explanations.

If these articles do not already exist I would like to create a thread that brings them into one convenient place for all to learn from.Also, are there any rules that are more applicable to one geographical area or market area over others?

@Daniel Dietz @Brian Eastman  Holy cow, your explanations are clear, but my understanding is a bit weak -- I will read through these multiple times to make them clear to me!

I'm deliberately trying to spread risk geographically so that I'm not relying on any one market, and you might want to consider this strategy also.Hope that helps!

Geographic restrictions apply as well(MA, as well as Southern NH).

Kristine thank you best explanation.

The house was in what I’d consider a B- neighborhood (working class but homes and yards kept up well, not many renters) in an overall geographic area that I’d call a C-.

If your goal is to get an E2 Visa then you should contact a lawyer who specializes in setting up the deals that qualify for them.If you are asking about geographic areas to invest in, many areas in Texas are appreciating but still affordable enough for someone to invest at the $50,000 to $100,000 level.

Josh, you should look at a couple of different items: ensure the zoning of the surrounding properties is what you believe using GIS (Geographic Information System), and look into Seattle's future land use map.  

@Christian Rasmussen, perfect explanation.