I can use the use the cash to either invest in tax free muni- bond index funds or other less risky investments.

Recently Realty Trac posted a "Neighborhood Housing Index Heat Map" for 2017, and I was wondering, how frequently does this Data Provider update their factors that impact the quality of life and the local housing market strength?

I was curious to whether or not other investors are putting their money into index funds in the mean time while preparing for a next purchase?

William,If you want to screen out the "WarZones" before you venture out, try this method.My residential security provider offers a feature on their website that enables you to access the overall crime index for any given zip code with its street map.

RMLS published the "affordability index" in their last Market Action report.

Otherwise I'd say go withh the $700 less in expenses if you are diligent saver you would achieve your 50k in 6yrs and that is just assuming you save in a savings account and not a brokerage account saving in index funds.

Combine that with the fact that many of these areas have purchase prices more affordable than rent rates and record low mortgage rates, the affordability index is also a Major cause of this, not the AB284 law.

You're not an investor if you put the first $100 you're able to save beyond your expenses and put it into a Vanguard index fund.

But, look at the 10yr treasure rate and maybe some other index as a reference.  

Sekelle,You should put robot's meta tag so when the spider crawl your site, they can index it.Joe Gore