The expanding growth of the businesses you mentioned is promising but I would still like to see the valley absorb more of the existing inventory and keep demand strong vs dilute demand with an over abundance of new properties.

I am currently looking into Texas for obvious reasons, but even that is still a dizzying task: deciding which county, city, neighborhood...

Also in the rust belt where jobs and city growth are minimal. around toledo college is your best bet.

Besides, there are so many great opportunites with better returns in other growth markets.Be sure to check out the Ultimate Beginners Guide as well as my 10 Rules of Successful Real Estate Investing.

Personally, I choose to spend my time focusing on the tasks that are earning me at least a couple hundred dollars per hour -- this includes finding more deals, raising money and creating processes to run my businesses more efficiently.Think about it -- while someone else is spending 40 hours painting their own house (and saving $20/hour), I'm probably spending those same 40 hours finding a great rehab/flip deal?

So for myself I'd be more concerned about rent growth and appreciation and long term cash flow.

It's not always growth that effects values of an area.Neighborhoods change.

I totally agree that a good option agreement would contain all of the terms of the purchase agreement.In California, as you likely know, that would be a formidable task given that the standard lease option agreement is 2 pages long and the standard purchase agreement is 8 pages long.I think we are the same page inasmuch as all the terms of the purchase must be set forth at the outset of the agreements as opposed to leaving it to chance that buyer and seller will agree to all terms at the time of purchase.My concern is why that topic is never broached where lease options are discussed.Again, Bill, thanks for your input, I appreciate it.Steve

Here are the tasks that were listed:Drilling holes in the bottom of the pool for drainageDispose of pool equipment and terminate pipes, electricalJackhammer the pool deck and throw in pool (rent jackhammer)Bring in fill dirt via dump truckRent Bobcat and Vibrating Tamper to fill and pack the dirt.If Bobcat wasnt possible and had to use wheelbarrows, cost goes up.

I know that my wife and I have advanced far from our days in college when we were counting our change, paying rent late and working for someone else and I just want to continue to grow the business and set no limits in any regards.