This strategy made a large amount of money for many, me included...until the music stopped and there were no chairs.

Let's enjoy it as long as it lasts because I probably don't need to tell you what will happen when the music stops if you were around during the last US housing meltdown.Because of the lack of credit in those countries, most people have to pay cash, locals and foreigners alike, as you mentioned.

Probably a brain fart since guys the age of Steve and I used to watch MTV when they actually played music videos!  

One with a hell of a lot of resources to keep the music playing. 

Stealing others food, not cleaning up after themselves, not sharing common areas well, loud music, etc.  

Over the last 6-7 years, Austin has posted consistent job growth (3-4% TTM job growth is some of the best in the nation), outstanding population in-migration (I've read something like 150 people a day are moving to Austin), good civic leadership, a very aggressive economic development corporation here which is actively recruiting companies here (see the RECA site and Opportunity Austin 3.0 for more details via the Austin Chamber of Commerce), and some excellent structural advantages (i.e. flagship UT 50,000 + students, temperate climate, relatively low cost of living, music culture, etc.).  

This was a classic case of a game of musical chairs where the amateur latecomers were left standing when the music stopped. 

This way I can simply enjoy the music of building a house without the stresses normally associated with construction.

I work my HELOCs like I used to work my credit cards, playing musical chairs with balance transfers.

My advice is similar to others , get educated.Instead of listening to music on your daily commutes or at the gym, listen to bigger pockets podcasts or Tim Ferriss “Best Real Estate Investing Advice Ever” Podcast.