I would stay away from real estate.
Sounds awfull reasonable ta me. This guy: RubberFrog knows a thing or two I say! Most residential that's non commercial (Mrs Jones) realestate, (especially in pricey high tax areas) has some serious risk that's been buildin' fer a few years.
It's a long term investment.
May actually be a long term LARGE HEAVY anchor, (like a boat anchor large enough to sink the boat: Mrs Jones).
Even with a renter making the payment, it still won't cover maintenance. And don't forget taxes and insurance... or the hassle!
Here in Gods' Country, (very high prices, high tax area, [hint: maybe not so good depending on what happens with the ol' demographic peak that really REALLY scares ol' Murky] 'course there are those who psycho analyse Murky n' cornsider him a bit of a paranoid NUT), which could be true: Murky is certianly a NUT. The "cap rates" on residential realestate here in this Socialist state are very VERY low, (not a good thing if ya have that single functional brain cell we always talk about, no problem: if yer brain does not work at all). Low cap rates mean that ya must have growth in the value of the assett ta make ANY money. Sounds a little risky eh, MRS JONES???!!!! The costs Rubber is talkin' about become a real big deal as yer gonna maybe need ta feed the beast ta keep it from sinkin' the ol' boat yer in. N' if values crack LOOK OUT, yer gonna have to cut that chain or: ya got it: the boat sinks!!!! Read Mr Dent's latest book n' PONDER the history he talks about, (not his lofty recomendations), BEFORE leverin' up ta buy lot's of very heavy boat anchors fer yer boat er a sorry I mean residential rental property.
With that said, I think we haven't seen the bottom of real estate.
Hmmmm, ya think? This Rubber is a right smart feller, I'd pay attention if I wer you!!!!!!!!
Give it a few more years and reconsider.
After readin' Mr. Dent's latest book n' thinkin' real hard about the potential long term effects of 77 million people, (ya know those very selfish n' self absorbed anti/counter culture folks, [many of 'em anywho] who now have the bulk of the assetts in this Country referred to as [ya guessed it Mrs Jones]: baby boomers) reachin' retirement where they REALLY change their cornduct that has DOMINATED this Country fer the last 40 years give or take a few.
A paid off house goes a long way towards making a comfortable retirement!
Did I ever say this gaseous feller is REAL SMART? PAY ATTENTION.
So you'll have that nailed. Are you willing to take the SS hit by retiring early?
