They don't include housing (nor stocks and bonds) nor insurance in the CPI, which I think makes inflation look better than it is.

I know this is super lengthy response, but your question really struck a cord in me (in a good way) and I wish you the absolute best in whatever path you choose!

It doesn't matter if you're the homeowner and you do less than three a year, you controlling the construction process for a product that will be sold to a new buyer, and the state wants you to have a bond and insurance to protect that new buyer if you screw it up. 

I like to look at tax foreclosures as super profitable short-term bond investments rather than buying property since most do redeem.

Events will ensure fun culture, bonding among roommates, and ultimately less turnover.7.

As long as there are a ton less savvy or under-educated investors (be it stocks, bonds, RE etc), the markets will be overly tilted to GPs that never really are at risk to lose any capital, even in a crap deal.

This is a great question, and I admit I hadn't really thought of real estate like this, even though people frequently talk about appropriate strategies for stocks and bonds as you age.

Then divide that against your required down payment for both, and then compare resulting ROI to the stock market/bonds.

Save your money.I like Bond For Deed in LA, when buying, avoid banks.See http://ackelandassociates.com/bond-for-deed/

Too bad we can't float bonds and show one thing and pay taxes using a different system like the big boys can!