In all I paid $14k to setup various entities, trusts, and government fees. 

I typically do about 90% section 8 or other government programs.

Immigration plays a big role in this, so it would be hard to predict unless you know what happens with population growth.I think it's still a basic human need, and one that the government can not provide at a reasonable cost.

I thought about taking cash but was unwilling to give the government 850K.   

Then there's sober living companies that get some government funding and require counseling, meetings, etc.

Government will never succeed in "making" anything cheaper.

Economic base is also diverse (tech, education, government, healthcare).

But I still believe we have a huge supply and demand issue and the government needs to do something to spur new construction.

Joe These days a lot of local governments have the records online.

As in real cash backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government, however shaky that may seem ;)