After doing a lot of research, I am too excited to jump in, but I want to be smart about it and avoid being impulsive like my first purchase in 2008.  

Though people like that tend to be impulsive and can't plan 5 minutes into the future, much less 2 weeks, and could cause more destruction no matter what you say or do.

@Jack Bobeck There is no part of me that is impulsive whatsoever.

I've made some investments in a rush and on impulse in the past that didn't work out so well.

Foxcon better provide some impulses here, otherwise this particular 5 star MF bubble could burst.

Your friend seems to be impulsive and disorganized.

.- I may be too practical to let myself purchase a mediocre deal and I am not interested at all in a bad deal.I realize this is an emotional and impulsive desire to have something flashy instead of another safer, practical rental, but I want to hear from you guys: Is it possible to find a cheap beachfront studio and make enough cash to consider it an investment, or would I just be throwing money away for a slightly brag-worthy deed?

Avoid impulsive decisions.Keep moving forward, even though it's rarely in a straight line.

I also checked out the meeting you organize- I love the charging  a token amount that both buys the group pizza and weeds out the people who RSVP impulsively but never show up- something I'll keep in mind for a meeting I might try to arrange in the future.

Here are a few reasons why:* Clearly, housing is not an impulse buy, but rather something people have to have, so I believe that it is still a vibrant market with hidden opportunities.* I have sales skills.