A careful search can unearth good quality investment properties in the Greater Vancouver area. The key is to look beyond Vancouver proper.
Two of my clients recently purchased investment condos. One is a one-bdrm + den (10-year-old building) in a lovely Burnaby neighbourhood, within walking distance of the Skytrain. The other client purchased a 1-bdrm pre-sale condo on Shaughnessy St. in Port Coquitlam (her third investment condo). In both cases detailed number-crunching (including the effects of future interest rate increases and other what-if scenarios) was accompanied by thorough document and contract review.
These clients are playing the real estate long game. They both wisely realize the equity-building benefits of these long-term investments, and are willing to weather the inevitable market ups and downs in the interim. With proper due diligence, investment properties can be a win-win for both the investor, as the tenant is helping to pay down the mortgage, and the tenant, as another rental choice comes on the market.
As a long-term property investor myself I've advised many clients with the ins and outs of investment porperties. Feel free to contact me to discuss any and all aspects of building for your future.