Real Estate Strategy

From a friend of mine:

• Use 50% equity to keep interest payments low
• Use rental income to cover mortgage payments and provide sufficient buffer
• USD 250.000 can be used for singles tax-free of the gain if one lived in the building for at least two years
  
• USD 500.000 if married
• Make use of re-investment: this will defer the real-estate gain to later period
• Bid 20% below asking price but don't scare seller off
• Houses will usually sell for 5% below asking price
• Do your research with comps!