Just avoid the irrational peaks like we experienced during 2004-2007 and you will do ok in California over the long run (I sat on the sidelines from 2002 until 2009 because values were over-inflated and out of control).Naturally, I can't speak about other markets, and that's probably why I haven't invested in any other place... yet.P.S. - Getting back to my parent's house, look at the difference only 7 years made between when they bought and my friend's dad did.

Just like to say that Bush was responsible is to ignore the "irrational exuberance" that was promoted throughout the 90's.Ultimately, it's the fault of the American people for voting into office people who don't have our best interests at hand.

That's why I'm here.Jackie, I appreciate the suggestion and I understand I might be irrational in my opposition to working with others.

There could be special cases for this like in leftist California where the government irrationally legislates below-market rates for lenders, but in the absence of this scenario the sophisticated lender will price their debt in a manner to compensate them for the riske.

It has been only three weeks since I have moved in, but I have already witnessed her explosions and irrational temper tantrums numerous times, and today really was the last straw.The power went out in a portion of my apartment.

Quite a few investors have gotten themselves into some trouble by getting homeowners to deed their house over...they didn't have any ill will in mind..but some homeowners have been known to act irrational during times of financial strain...and they mention to somebody that they deeded their house away to some investor...could spell trouble.The option is much less threatening than the deed transfer...the seller doesn't lose ownership...and the option has just as much power if utilized.

Sorry if this has already been discussed, but I stopped making offers for about 6 weeks (too much irrational exuberance around the tax credit), and started making offers again this week...I made three offers on Fannie Mae properties, and had expected to get at least one or two of them (they were near full priced offers).To my surprise, two agents called me today to explain that, as of a couple weeks ago, Fannie Mae now has a "no investor" period for 15 days after an REO goes on the market.

You can try to forecast your future outlays, and use your income and outlays to build a model that predicts your IRR at various points in time, depending on when you ultimately decide to sell.

Fact: Most local banks are on the sidelines still but there are several lenders that avoided the sub prime residential catastrophe and the irrational exuberance that took place in the commercial loan markets and are actively funding deals in conjunction with the SBA.If you are looking for some small balance commercial business I would focus on working with business owners that qualify for the SBA loans and franchise's that are already approved by the SBA.

If you are a corporation and your choices are being in a place with high taxes or low taxes, it's irrational not to select the low tax environment.