This has been quite a roller coaster ride.

But landlording has been a roller coaster ride for sure.

Where Cali and other speculative markets look like a roller coaster on a graph other markets when they had a swing were not as prominent.I definitely think California will increase a bunch in 2013 but that doesn't mean a speculative state marks a rebound for the whole country.

I am a West Coaster, but have been deployed by my company to Singapore for an assignment.

you most certainly should. real estate is like riding a giant roller coaster. it definitely has its ups and down but wow when it is up it is awesome.

Meaning: if you never have taken a financial risk at all in your life, the first time you do it, you are going to go on an emotional roller coaster ride and it will impact your decision making.

It will be a roller coaster ride, especially with a professional tenant. ;) Just stick to your guns on "non-payment of rent" don't bend not one bit and once you start the court proceedings do not accept any partial payment as it will negate any current proceedings and you will have to begin all over again with notice to quit.

Then you wonder with that kind of down payment, maybe it makes more sense to invest in real estate elswhere...Coming from a pure cash-flow investing environment like Japan, with very little to no capital growth (which is fine with me, I prefer high and reliable income), I still struggle to wrap my head around the fact that so many people will bet so much money on virtually unknown speculation moves with little to nil income until realisation can occur (if at all) 3, 7, 10 or 15 years down the track (or not) - particularly after the last few years of financial roller coaster...can anyone explain this rationale to me?

It's a fun roller coaster!

Packed my bags and move to the US lolRoller coaster of emotions at times but just keep that fire burning within and you will be alright.Thanks and all the best :)