I offered $20,000 more than the next best offer, additionally helped them negotiate down a $20,000 lien to $6,000, and still made a healthy profit. 

@Brandon SturgillI was halfway tempted to not respond due to the fact that this post couldn't have been formed for a healthy intellectual debate.

Besides the excitement about affordable property values and some young people taking advantage of this affordability, what are the real driving factors that will carry these markets forward and ultimately transform them into healthy, sustainable areas?

Inflation normally accompanied a healthy economy with low unemployment.

Our 4month old baby also has food protein allergies and requires an expensive diet.

I learned that I underestimated the cost of the bills I would but the predicted cash flow was healthy (3x the monthly cash flow on average).  

I think if you'll run the numbers and do some research you find these markets to be a healthy alternative to other markets for buy and hold real estate.I can't imagine being invested in real estate and only getting a 10% return either.

If an arborist told me they were healthy, I'd pass that information on to the neighbor. 

If someone tells you, that eating apples are healthy because they are red, they are wrong.

Do any of you invest in Boston or know how healthy the market is?