While I don't believe the technology is there quite yet, I predict that in the next 50 years the tech will be there to live in space.Among the growing problems on Earth, climate change, population explosion, and international policy, life might not be sustainable for humans.

A lot of this had to do with the pure volume of data - especially, when you are trying to predict or identify rare events.

If I could predict economic outcomes, I wouldn't need to be posting on BP!

I always preface my doom and gloom commentary with the fact that I have not been right on a single economic prediction yet. 

Simple stuff should require a pretty predictable due diligence period.

Many of the "experts" predict good stable growth for the area and Florida in general.

No one can predict the future, and having the financial flexibility of the lower payment could be invaluable.  

I'll take you at your word Tom, but I predict a week at most before you start calling people names.

There were a lot more people looking to rent than there was before the great recession (when many were looking to buy).You are correct that no one knows what the future market wise or rent wise will be but if the past is any indication those that invest in So Cal will do better than virtually everyone that invests out of state.I currently am looking at properties were I can obtain instant equity because I predict an appreciation growth in my market (San Diego county) of <3% over the next couple years (3% at 25% down still would give 10% return) and I want better. 

In each successive year I own, with rents appreciating nicely hear, I project my fixed costs being a predictable vector, and my rents increasing, faster than inflation and tax hits.