From what I know, the Chinese real estate market is really different than the USA market.

Houses were selling for 20% higher than list (or what they were worth), and cash buyers are predominantly from China- and they care much less about the value and much more about getting their money out of the unpredictable Chinese economy and into a "safe" space.

I guess it’s a culture thing

Cal. because a lot of what has been driving those price increases is Chinese investing in the West Coast.

At least here in the bay area the Chinese stores have good prices if you haggle.

He mention that it is “Chinese Sheetrock”???

I had a very Chinese upbringing so really just putting myself in the emotionless robot work mindset most of the time.

Live in Lowell, buy two houses, save time, energy, money on your commute, and embrace the arts scene and cultureS-- plural emphasized.

Other than rain of course ;) Cost of living was low, taxes were low, personal freedom was high, I really liked the culture that used to exist here too before pretentious yuppie corporate culture completely took over.

I think the welcoming culture and the sharing of knowledge is my favorite aspect of the biggerpockets community.