That is why Fresno is one of the best test markets due to its huge diversity: social, economical, cultural.

Multi-cultural--In my experience, most immigrants are hard-working people trying to make a better life for themselves.

It seems to be just a certain type of cooking/cuisine that causes this (with as much emphasis on being as sensitive to other cultures as possible) We actually dug into it a bit more today and it seems as though the microwave (above the stove doubling as the hood without an outdoor vent) is holding on to some serious grease/dust that is undoubtedly a large portion of the concern.

The addition of 4000+ jobs from Google in Playa Vista, the expansion of the tech sector from Santa Monica south into Playa / Marina, the revitalization of downtown / urban core, the weather, the economy, the attractions, the culture, expanding public transport, etc - are all factors in LAs continued growth.Strategically, I would be BUILDING in the city as much as I can, anywhere in the LA metro area.

It's living within your means, it's paying yourself first (meaning your investments), it's learning how to walk against the 'spend to your limit' culture prevalent in the post World War(s) United States. 

I been Japan twice, I loved it there the culture the people.

So price point is important .. some areas and local demographics in a town are just not something a out of state investor needs to risk.. its not their desire to change a culture or nation.

I've been highly impressed with the values and culture HomeVestors has established.  

I find that there are significant cultural issues there that will surprise the average American, and you have to be careful about construction quality.

. - Financing: all cash- Building codes : none which is great.Also, most of these market outside US (or outside western hemisphere), is geared toward investors that "could work" within a deregulation zone/environment, so adapting to local culture is crucial.