Maybe bet on Africa for appreciation, also be willing to invest in China when the real estate market bottoms out there. 

Since 40% of your flipping profits will be disgorged to Uncle Sam, lending really enjoys a huge advantage (and is a lot lower risk).As far as the SD401K, anyone involved in real estate can create some sort of active business with minimal effort, there is no minimum size requirement, though some revenue or activity will be necessary to see on a Schedule C or similar business tax filing.

True Steve, the threshold could go up, but it's not prudent to bet on it, but again, reality is, it could well move up.

But if you are going to try, bet on the long term trend continuing.

Cities and states that are on the forefront of forward-thinking are almost always going to attract the most talent, and hence the most tech-savvy companies, and considering that is where our economy is moving, I would be far more willing to bet on where Seattle will be in 10 years than where Columbus will be in 10 years. 

Humboldt Park can be a class B+, B, C or D/D- depending on what part you are in.

In Florida you have to use a/c or you will get mold.

I just got out of the Army last year and one thing I hated was being in the barracks and the powers that be had already changed the units from heating to A/C or vice versa, then we'd suddenly get a drastic change in weather and we are all freezing or cooking because the temps can't be adjusted the other direction for the rest of the season. 

Any decent Class C+ or better neighborhood should have at least one Publix within 3 miles.

Do you bet on the horse or the jockey?