Yes the waters are rocky, the mortgages may be harder to come by, but particularly if you're interested in buying rental properties with an eye toward becoming a bit of a mogul yourself, now is as good a time as any.
Get your credit in shape
True, you can probably purchase a property with a middle of the road credit score. But do you want to? A low credit score means a high interest rate on your mortgage, and that increased expense is going to cut into your overhead pretty dramatically.
So, take the next 12 months to improve your credit score before diving in. Pay your bills on time, turn down offers of new credit and reduce your outstanding balances. Based on prediction, you'll still have time to get in while the getting is good.
Study up
Jumping in without knowing the basics is the wrong move. Before you sign on any dotted lines, take the time to read a few solid (and up-to-date) books on real-estate investing. Once you feel you have a pretty good — albeit broad — handle on the subject, you can start scoping out the market where you plan to buy.
"You need to go out and see the area for yourself. Look at a lot of properties, get a handle on what they are renting for, and how much insurance and property taxes will be so you don't have any surprises," advises Thomas Lucier, an investor in Florida and author of "The No-Nonsense Real Estate Investor's Kit," (Wiley, 2006). Do it in person, but also check out the classified sections of your local newspapers to get a feel for the rents.
