For example, my area has experienced some appreciation - no boom, no bust with slow sales etc.

Would you rather buy real estate for 50 cents on the dollar today or 85 cents on the dollar in a couple of years when the market is booming again?

Right now, Columbus is booming in real estate because of the base realignment and closure (BRAC) that is to take place here.

The market where i live (phoenix area) is in a major valley, and has been for almost a year and a half now following a crazy boom.

They intend to 'fix up' the lake and surrounding area and make it a booming place.

It is the person, entity or investment groups decision to choose to collect or forgive a debt, real or implied, regardelss of the fianncial terms of the deal.

Thanks everyone for such a great community.One question I have is:I have heard people talk about how often in a booming market, you'll have tons of over-leveraged investors who, when there is a big crash, they go bankrupt.How do you safeguard against this kind of thing?

Unless you have identified one of those downtown or other booming westside pockets beforehand. 

May I ask how you changed your fundamentals during those boom years in Vegas, e.g. what %ARV you were targeting before and then during?

When real estate is booming any area in So Cal will appreciate greatly....Any area from "ghetto" to the beach cities.