So look at the marriage statistics (it most of the time takes both Mr and Mrs working to buy a home vs. just MR as it was in the past).Plus many times in the past parents would kick in for the down payment somehow.So with less marriages of those with stable enough jobs to buy a home, home ownership goes down.

I'll add some links below for articles on the net outflows for the state - should help in targeting those areas (like Champaign as Anna mentioned) that are at least population stable in stead of shrinking.

I’ve managed to put Together savings, and have a growing assets in the stock exchange, but wouldn’t a underwriter want to see a stable pay stub?

Philadelphia's market is one of the most stable markets.

Of course, you also get your original $10.5K back, 5 years of cash flow and 5 years of depreciation on your taxes.If you are in a stable financial condition it rarely makes sense to save large amounts of money before you purchase. 

Society Hill in Philadelphia, for example, is that city's most stable real estate market, and New Orleans' French Quarter is the most expensive district in that city.

I purchase all my cabinets off the shelf at Lowe's for our renovations. 

They have a cool visualizer program that allows you to see what different color combos look like.https://www.plygem.com/siding/brands/napco/visualizer/For interior, go with an off the shelf color as that will make it easier to remember when its time to repaint.  25% Gray and flat white is always a safe bet. 

Hi Jason, I do care about appreciation but I'd say that's secondary to stable cash flow for where I'm looking to do. 

Seems to have a stable life and down to earth.