Since the margins are typically so tight on commodity lumber, the supplier either has to take the hit and match the market, or ride it out.4) If you're including trusses in this, those can vary dramatically - huge swings in price... in part because the design is subject to the individual designer as well as some supplier have in-house truss capability while others act as a middleman.  

In many cases, the oil companies have rented these lots for 1-2 years at a time and eventually those agreements will expire and occupancy will drop dramatically. 

But if it does, then, you may be able to deduct your entire rehab costs for the house this year.That is separate from the accelerated depreciation so both things would boost your tax savings.i.e.

Maybe meetings in person are going to give me the boost I need. 

It is a neat way to boost your retirement account.

What I'm seeing in the market right now is banks are trying to get almost market rates for their REO properties, as foreclosure inventory is decreasing dramatically (30%+ down over last year).

The Kings arena in Sacramento has already been a huge boost and it doesn't open till 2017.

It has been a great boost of info for me in my goal of buying and flipping houses as well as acquiring some rental properties for a passive income.

@Connie Stainbrook From a Houston perspective, there is a lot cash available in the large multifamily marketplace and cap rates have compressed dramatically. 

I think that having a partner you trust in a particular area can dramatically improve your performance, especially if you are not living there or don't even have the chance to see the area.I also think that it is very important before you find a partner to experience real estate on your own, so that you have a good knowledge of what investing means.