I've never done any sort of market analysis or know where to go to find job growth/population data. 

That said - I just read an article out of Builder Magazine Five Hottest Cities For Housing Growth for the next five tears.

I've lived and worked in various cities here and have witnessed the astronomical growth of the bubble-like economy in Silicon Valley.I've finally come to the conclusion that real estate investing is the way to go (wish I had arrived sooner!)

If we started seeing insane price growth due to the lending practices, then I'd think "bubble".

I even was diagnosed with a learning disability in math, despite that I believe with patience and step by step process that I will understand whatever math formula that's needed for any task, it might take a little while to get it but it will come through.

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.