Go visit the areas, do your research, do not believe what is just in the materials presented by a company selling a product, check the crime reports for violent versus non-violent crime statistics,etc.When I look at investments I like to look at the dirt first then the asset and projected returns.

Personally, I do not like any strategy or approach that aims to benefit from the misfortune of others.

With all the vegitation burned off the hills . 

I have a 10x8 shed that I use exclusively to store real estate materials and supplies.

@Kasey Hardt very interesting,  didn't realize this was a pattern but even I've got friends that are getting recruited to the area for medical device startups etc, so could be a very interesting trend to watch.

The Idea is to create a new real estate asset class - the Room Condo. 

I have heard the 16% solution mentioned. 

Typically people think FHA because it's what's thought of as the least amount down which is commonly the goal when we all get started.

As for the lack of burnable material in the Palisades and other areas now, insurers will want to rebuild reserves and augment reserves for the next time, not to mention not exposing themselves to risk on this scale again.what I see happening is that the government will simply cut the Gordian Knot by using eminent domain to seize properties and redesign/rezone the whole area so that it's more defensible against natural- and human-caused catastrophe.

Call the mechanic or gas station up the street and ask the owners if they know someone.