Why not put those same dollars somewhere else where you can afford the 20%-30% down and get higher cash flow and a more predictable return, in a more stable market.Let's take a 3 bedroom somewhere in Dorchester. 

I also look for properites that are built well (I love homes from the 50's and 60's as they are very predictable) and also the condition of them as well (What's been updated, replaced) that way I know what to expect in capital costs over the next 5-10 years.

In other words it's safer and more predictable, but you make the same returns.

Anybody have any knowledge they’d like to share on the current market there, or future predictions?

Also, one payment would cover all utilities and offer very predictable monthly expenses.

Appreciation is great, but it can't reliably be predicted so we consider it 'the icing on the cake'.

But these are all just predictions based on rent info from zillow/craiglist around the area, and 2 quotes from 2 GCs.

I have also been providing multifamily and commercial syndications starting at $50k per share and they are much safer and more predictable investments. 

I know none of the above will 100% predict any particular market's future behavior, and I'm not asking for a place to go that will give me 'predictions'. 

The best underwriting in the world could not predict him waking up one day and realizing he bought as the wrong time and that he's just going to simply stop paying.