But you can get rid of two potential head wreckers (There is nothing worse on this planet than an HOA in a retreating real estate market).

It's the best financing on the planet. 30 years, low fixed rate, tax deductible.

More likely than invaders from another planet?

Many DC investors regret buying and having to manage junk real estate in Baltimore.So ---- why would an investor find that the grass (the kind you cut on the weekends) is greener somewhere else.1. they don't have the skills or are unable to find an equity packed property where they live2. they are not versed on truly creative financing and making offers - lot of offers3. they lack the skills to negotiate an equity transaction4. they don't apply power prospecting tehniquesThere are motivated sellers in every market - go to the expired listing - make offers that make financial sense to you. run ads in the newspaper, use radio, TV, walk and talk, rent and housing court leads --etcUnderstand creative financing, make an offer to sell the property you have under contract before you have to settle, this is call CONTROL AND ROLL, offer more for the real estate by offering  a "principal only' mortgage (mortgage without interest), offer to buy the building and lease the land, consider a lease option, offer a seller partnership (hybrid offer)Learn to be a great negotiator, act disinterested, ask for more than you expect to get - study the three most important things in a transaction; The seller's needs, the real estate and the existing financing.

Yup @Jay Hinrichs , Being in the Psychology forum I will say my thoughts are that Kay said it best:"There's always an Arquillian Battle Cruiser, or a Corillian Death Ray, or an intergalactic plague that is about to wipe out all life on this miserable little planet, and the only way these people can get on with their happy lives is that they DO NOT KNOW ABOUT IT!"

The next 18-24 months were focused on recovery, proving to my partners at work that I was still an awesome IT consultant and much introspection focused on why I am here on this planet and what I am going to do with the small amount of time I have.

Santa Barbara is one of the most expensive areas of the planet!

The greener grass that many seek often turns into the mess described in the post.

There’s definitely a “grass is greener” effect happening.

You have plenty of time to get rich after graduation, don't assume the grass will be greener with RE investing.