I'll call these "conventional" and "portfolio" loans.Conventional - I'll define these as loans that come from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (if you recognize those names).

Has the mobile home proven fruitful so far?

They would rather pay bigger money for established and already proven platforms.I found building the platform wasn't as intensive as keeping it going.

The key is to inspect enough properties so you really know the market and therefore can recognize a good deal.  

You will want to work with Sponsors having a proven & successful track record. 

My recommendation is that you maintain focus on your ability to recognize (and eventually construct) actual money-making deals.

I know it's somewhat counter-intuitive, but wouldn't it be better to recognize the opportunity before anyone else does, in which case there wouldn't be any comps?

Land -Buying land is a proven investment strategy that can produce healthyreturns.

I am not really thinking likewise with my appreciation numbers as I recognize that in the short term the value of my properties may decline (my LTV would have me not upside down even in the event of conditions in San Diego as bad as the GR). 

The nice thing for me is the math is simple, and most of the procedures are proven.