At that socio-economic level getting a little behind quickly becomes an insurmountable mountain they can never overcome.

Concentrating on one market for economic of scale vs Geographically Diversification.

It is purely fictional and posed as a challenge to stimulate the mind into more creative ways to boost anyone's current real estate sales.Let's say you want to purchase a house for yourself.

Those that produce crappy work sit on the bench a lot, and during economic downturns find themselves laid off often.

Yup, but lenders want to put their money in the hands of guys who have a proven track record of success, not guys who are buying their first deal.  100+ units are much more complicated than just being able to do the basic analysis -- the real world issues that you'll face (management, local politics, local economic changes, cash flow forecasting, etc) aren't things you can read about...you have to experience it to understand it.Also, it's very uncommon for lenders to put up more than 80% of the money -- they know that if the deal is good, you should be able to find the other 20%+ pretty easily, which will reduce their exposure.

Am considering moving there and am looking for insider information regarding the economic outlook and real estate.

I'd recommend your first pass is based on ability to find units with rent-to-value ratios that are solid.Step 2: Use jobs and economic growth to narrow down to 2 markets.

"Economic Fundamentals Finally Back in the Driver’s Seat"http://www.corelogic.com/blog/authors/sam-khater/2...

Good personal reasons Tim, all RE is local, the niche aspect I so true.In any economic transaction, higher profits go with higher perceived risks, it's also going to be limited as to entry in higher profit alternatives, when higher profit potential is there, so will be the barrier to entry, knowledge, expertise and legal aspects.Do I buy a $120, 000 home and rent it out with a return, say of 14% on my money or do I go with a $1,200,000 office warehouse with a 10% return?

Rents will stay steady or increase as long as there is demand - the whole economics thing :)