What kind of "investment"? Income producing? Rental of homes or apartments? Then use a regular residential REA. Rental of offices? Talk to a commercial RE agent. Property to hold for future sale, assuming it will go up in price? Get your head examined.

Seriously, you need to talk to a CPA first.

Hi Sus,

We are thinking about getting a condo for now.

No kidding, may need to get my head examined regardless if it is for appreciation or income producing. LOL!

Thank you for the advice, will talk to a CPA first.

Your assumption is correct. Find an agent who understands that market or better yet one who actually owns rental property. Some residential agents have zero understanding of how to choose a rental winner.

I would suggest you look at SFR's, condos aren't usually good investments, but in your area they may be, I live in Southern California, Do your own homework, don't rely on an agent. You can check out rentals at craigslist to see rent prices. Will you live locally and manage it yourself?

I've owned rental property for years and love them for investments. As mentioned, be prepared for downturn, but if you are buying for long term you can wait it out, then sell if you wish. As time goes on, you can refi to buy another.

A forum for RE investment is biggerpockets.com

Are you a cash purchaser? Because that is who you will be competing against. If your assets are not liquid enough to do this as a cash sale, then you need to rethink this. If you cannot afford to lose your investment entirely, then you cannot afford to invest. Real estate is not government bonds.

I deal with investors all the time that use financing.

We have 4 investment condos we purchased in the last three years. All but one were purchased with cash and one was with a 50% of the purchase price mortgage. All have appreciated in 3 years and have been consistently rented. The key is finding a property in a desirable location at the right price. It also if helps if you are handy or know a good handyman because things will need to be fixed. We had no qualms about making low ball offers on the condos which were accepted. We picked properties that needed work and all but one we did extensive renovations to. The remodeling helped with appreciation and made them easy to rent. Our last vacancy did not even hit the MLS and was re-rented within 2 days of the last tenant leaving. Desirable location is everything.

All RE purchasers compete with cash purchasers. Paying cash can be good, leverage also works for better return. Leveraging the right rentals gives one of the best investment returns.