There is a huge distinction there…Obviously, there is a way to make money here – for the pros!

From there the real distinction breakdown from most locals will be east and west.

I considered purchasing a home in the SF Bay area, but some arguments deter me: 1) I am unsure on how long my family will stay in the Bay area – there is a distinct possibility that we will move to a new location within the next 5 years. 2) Houses here are pushing the million dollar mark tying up a lot of capital, which could be used differently (season tickets for the Warriors, anyone?).

It is pretty clear there is a distinction in the definition of housing between less than a week, and a week or more.

@Eric Walker,Just to expand a little bit on what @Matthew Rayl posted, the payments on equity loans and other credit lines MAY be interest-only, also.He also mentioned a key distinction: equity loans and other credit lines are generally "revolving" - that is, as you pay the balance down the rest of the credit limit once again becomes available to you.

In seriousness, I think you draw a needed distinction that is not absent of any of the other posts.

The equitable distinction is difficult for many people understand but here's a common example. 

Few people understand how to legally structure such a deal so I do not advocate them unless I know the person understands the subtle legal distinctions.

The market should not so volatile where there is a big distinction in 3-6 months. 

I believe the distinction is between "debt collection" and being "licensed to purchase/own" mortgages/DOTs.