Jobs, good commute, income levels, rent vs own percentage, urban vs more rural areas, population growth, etc are many of the things most will look into.

Not an easy task in SoCal even if u had the cash.  

Should I settle down with the rent and keep the house assuming it will appreciate or sell it and invest the equity somewhere (btw I am assuming real estate growth in nearby Neighbourhood would be same).

They've told me that rates go up because the country is seeing growth.  

Lots in Boulder are very expensive, due to the very tight growth limits.

Are you looking for growth?

Many families, including my own, have gone for decades barely scraping by on what we can, many years taking losses because of poor growth and low prices.

yes have been browsin and asking questions on the other sections of the forums, by area specific info i ment market values of specific areas, vacancy rates, growth rates of certain areas, that type of thing.

Sorry this is not helping too much, but I think you should perhaps look for referrals for competent CPAs and pay their rate as opposed to looking for a CPA at a certain rate and obtain their services.A good CPA, financial planner, estate & wealth planner (like myself, hint, hint) would see just from your small description that you may need some planning and structuring to ensure good asset protection strategies, long term wealth growth and benefits plus estate structuring to fully protect and preserve your valuable assets for the future.It is true that right now is an extremely busy time for accountants and if what you are looking for is not a tax return, then most places would hold you off until after April 15.Joe

Figures on paper mean little, high cap rates mean little, if you have a property located in an area with poor economic growth, low absorption rates, high unemployment, and higher crime.