What these markets all have in common is that they are highly desirable with blue chip status, have almost no new land (except infill/replacement development), and have a global client base.SF has had an annualized growth rate of about 4.5% over the last 30 years or so; rest of the country I believe 1.5-2%, many areas even less.

The enemy of the RE investors reside in congress, stagnating growth IMO. :)

I am reading the Ultimate Beginner's Guide, listening to blogs, etc. and enjoying it immensely.

His idea was that you pre-allocate XX% to the things that are most important to you, just like a savings account (like time with family, personal growth,taking into account responsibilities.It also allows you to set goals over the long term with your time.

Be sure to read Jeff Brown's recent blog post on Roth solo 401ks: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/24/capital-growth-cash-flow-taxes/ it really opened my eyes to some things to consider going forward

I wonder if there are strict liquor license laws, I know in enterprise the city hasn't granted anymore so you have to buy someone else out... may be the reason for no real growth in bar scene.

Is the area experiencing economic growth?

Because of the economic downturn and with this slower-than-expected growth, the tax department is experiencing a large task of gathering Rs 2.5 lakh crore in the next three months to meet the Budget Estimate of Rs 6.7 lakh crore that represented a growth of 19 per cent over last year’s mop-up.January 6, Monday, Finance Minister P Chidambaram took a review meeting concerning about muted tax collections with officials from the Central Board of Excise & Customs and Central Board of Direct Taxes.

Is there job growth?

I have 150k to get started but am faced with some options. 1) Use the 150k to buy a primary residence for ourselves then use that equity to finance future real estate investments or 2) buy houses to flip in an effort to increase my capital. 3) Buy a multifamily unit to rent out and use that equity/income to finance future deals.I am also looking at the projected population growth for the state of Florida and was wondering if we should focus our efforts in another county.