The other help we've had over the last decade was cheap oil and shale, which put a little life into our economy.But overall, if inflation worked the way you seem to think it does, we would have seen some explosive inflation these past few months. 

You could work in the oil fields for a year or two and easily clear 100k.

Housing sales should be virtually nothing as oil tanked, and we rely on oil income to generate jobs and taxes. 

Is your the local economy where your property is located affected by the fall in oil prices?  

It's my understanding that Utah's growth is primarily driven by high tech and oil and gas but I'm not familiar beyond that high level.

We currently have 1 rental with decent return that has been rented for (5) years with 2 months total in vacancy.Right now Anchorage is undergoing many changes in terms of the oil jobs, state budget crisis and some increased crime.

Or that an old heating oil tank was found buried underground when they went to install sprinklers, something like that.

It will make it easier for members to offer specific advice.For instance, my background is in finance – CFA, M&A and equity research with a global investment bank/major oil and gas player.

Here's a primer:The two basic kinds of paint of oil-based and water-based.

For example: A major in economics and a miner real estate, or something like that that will give you more knowledge later in life.