In Charlotte, NC and in Charleston, SC, we have such an extreme lack of inventory, especially at the lower end of affordability- seller's aren't giving up their 2.99% interest rate to downsize and pay more for a home with a higher rate, so they are staying on the sidelines. and Builders cannot ramp up fast enough, and are being very cautious due to interest rates, coupled with inflation, where their goods and services also cost more to build homes- and, after 2008-2010, where many got burned, and badly, they are super cautious.

Hope there isn't too much exposure but wouldn't surprise me if somebody ends up with a fat fine from the SEC after this.... 

@Dave Meyer @J Scott  - we've got a burning Real Estate by the Numbers question for one of you two!

I have not been burned yet by this.

What's the best way to get involve in it to get some experience without burning much money? 

Yes Ron has a referral program, but NO I am not signed up, and if you decide to, I get a big fat Nothing in return. haha.

Proper due diligence is what often separates the aspiring real estate investors who crash and burn on their first deal, and those who build a successful portfolio.

Even the fire pit in the evening with a fire burning might be nicer than the plain shot from the front.  

Last, but not least, one should consider the 'burn out' factor.

If my kitty was fat enough, I'd take 5% any day and throw my laptop and iPhone in the trash, sleep till 10am and play guitar with my amigo's haha