We tend to judge a book by it's cover, we judge success by perception of a person.

Very hard to have positive cash flow in CA on a sfr, unless you buy it with large down payments.As far as the repairs/maintenance factors mentioned by Ovetta, I disagree with the negative perception.

Another interesting perception is that apartment rental prices will drop, because soon many more SFH rentals are going to be on the market, for the same rates that apartments are charging now.

Yet from my perception, given the choices we have, the lesser evil in November 2008 is distancing ourselves as far as possible from almost everything that represents the current administration, even if that means going more socialist for eight more years.

I would think about setting up a Living Trust.That's a mis perception.

I think your issue is less about the market and more about perception.

When I was weaned in the ways of real estate as a salesman then eventually a licensed broker in NY during the 70's the most important thing I learned from one of our syndication clients is that perception is everything.If your audience believes you are successful then you are successful.

This makes sense if your perception of increased value is supported by the cash flow to support the new indebtness.

The sooner the seller/realtor present the market with a price in which the seller's perception of value match that of the market realities, the sooner this thing will get sold.

I understand there is a huge potential for a conflict of interest, even if a company operates fairly and honestly, the perception of impropriety will exist.