Of course the skills do translate to other business like banking.  

The single biggest reason I did so well is the abnormally aggressive bull market of most of last year, and decisions I made to be more conservative later in the year as oil prices fell, but it wasn't translating into increased consumer spending.It's fantastic that your investment income is paying for expenses to the property, I was more pointing out that increase in property value of 5.5x up to 12x over 25ish years doesn't include a lot of money that goes to maintaining those investments (maint, insurance, vacancy etc.)

a town of about 6k people called Spydeberg ( translated Spear Hill)@Louis Leone  - There are neighboring towns which are larger than Spydeberg within 7 miles, and the major highway E18 connects them all, along with the major passenger train railway.

That said, I imagine a lot of the midwest specific knowledge that applies in my back yard will translate to your market as well. 

When I evaluate a market, I look at it's economic base for future growth (i.e. industries, military, tourism) - obviously, the potential for strong future growth will usually translate into stronger demand for real estate...I also look RE growth potential contrasted to what has inhibited past growth - for example, it the community land locked, controlled by environmental regs, lack of water, etc...

Translation: don't give up your job with a pending financial collapse to get into new home construction.

Hopefully, that 11% loss will translate into more money on the sidelines to invest in our real-estate deals.

They did not then or at any time discuss the subject" Translation....DOH!!!

For $3 all you do is speak to the app and it will translate and speak in Spanish!

@Bryant Amundson you may find someone nationally with experience but that experience won't necessarily translate into good local information.