Purchase price: $675,000 Cash invested: $120,000 Property taken back by lenders in the economic downturn and Housing crises in 2008, in the Las Vegas, NV, Valley.

So many don't understand basic economics. 

Many reasons: to encourage/discourage certain economic behavior, to appease a certain industry lobby or some fellow lawmakers or even sometimes a private individual, to buy votes, to balance economic effects of a new law, as well as simply out of incompetence of our lawmakers.

So, two questions arise; 1 - can this strategy work in a NORMAL period of economic activity, and 2 - can this strategy work in a difficult economic period?   

It’s also worth considering things like the local market conditions, return on investment, population and job growth trends, and other economic indicators.

I agree, seeing migration patterns coupled with insurance costs and insurability might be a good macro-economic indicator.

A scholarship because of good grades is huge, as school debt can really be a drag on your economic future depending on your profession.

The people in STR as a business, as opposed to just an investment, will be profitable in most economic markets.  

@Kamryn DeVaultTo invest in a duplex, consider factors like neighborhood quality, economic stability, safety, property condition, cash flow potential, financing options, tenant screening, lease agreements, future potential, legal and zoning considerations, maintenance and management, networking, and starting small and scaling.

What economic stratus are you talking about a shortage?