DC makes the same point -- Baltimore is dramatically undervalued for all the reasons discussed in this thread.  

It's also so dramatic, I can't get enough.

That is hard to find in this particular market in many markets that have appreciated dramatically.  

The state has budget  problems and of course everyone knows the price of oil has dropped dramatically.

Unit mix can also have dramatic effects on per unit calculations as well as type of management required.  5' x 5' units will get more per square foot but will turnover much more frequently than a 10' x 40' unit will and will therefore require more "management.As for financing,  I think you will find it similar to MF except that up until recently (say 5-10 years ago) it was harde to find lenders with experience in the sector.  

They are consumers just like everyone else and some of that money MAY go back into the business or it may go to other areas such as savings, investing, or buying other things not related to business.The facts are that “the swamp” (as you refer to it) and the wealth of the wealthiest in the US has been fueled dramatically by the tax cuts of the first attempts at trickle down economics because those would be tax dollars were retained, not invested.

Personally (unless something changes dramatically).

You have to prove to yourself that the material has been absorbed by testing yourself.As a result, while there was a Yuge drop out rate, of the ones that did make it to the end, the rewards were dramatic, ranging from profits of $50k to $2 Million for each "graduate."

And for the people you mention that put money in 401K and won't have enough in retirement at all, I doubt real estate would improve their situation that dramatically. 

If this actually takes hold and sticks, this could cause some dramatic repercussions down the road for all STR's in major cities.