Plan C is out of the country ... not buy and hold, buy and watch.

One other positive is the proximity to one of the largest urban parks in the country, Shelby Farms Park.  

All that to say, there is a **lot** of money coming in from outside the country buying up real estate in the west.

I've been buying through out the Country and this is by far the most tight.

America is a rich country but most Americans are not rich.

The Omaha area has a lot of potential and the downside has been less intrusive than most other areas of the country during recessions.

Yes -we are in a strong sellers market, but most of the rest of the country is as well.  

You will need to arrange finance in your home country.

(I include this only because I wonder if its relevant) Ive been listening to BP podcasts and wonder , should I only look at homes in foreclosure (what is an REO) what is considered a good deal on a home Im about to purchase (do I look at the sales of the other homes on the block) Should I stick with neighborhoods only or do  i go after a bargain thats sits alone out in the country(Is there a large market for those that want to live away from traditional neighborhood) What about these auctions at the courthouse...buying the house with a cashiers check?

In my part of the country it was generally persons of color and Wells F or BofA, in your part of the country it was generally persons often termed "trailer trash" and XYZ Home Mortgage or ABC House Funding.So....