While my low-income properties are undoubtedly some of the nicest around, RE is still all about 'location', including not just physical location, but also where a property is located relative to the local economic and demographic trends.

The overall economic outlook is understood.

I don't know about SoCal, but it seems they are not fairing any better.This is also happening in the Commercial real estate markets across the board.If we don't get small businesses and mega employment changes soon, we could see California go into economical meltdown.

The current economic situation has just escalated the problem.

I don't believe that the exchange between all parties involved has to be win lose; or only available until one party can get their act together.I completely agree with that.But, having studied economics, I recognize that inefficiencies in a market will create better opportunities than a perfectly efficient market.

I would venture to say that most of their posts were questions asking political, off topic and genreal questions, like the economic impact of the fed on RE, Such postings were obviously to run up the points quickly to gain influence, IMO, as some of these folks are really not that well versed in the technical issues of real estate.It has turned BP in a broader scope of macro business topics rather than drilling down into details of real estate.

If its important to you - simple economics.

Here's an option that I think would limit risk and have great upside considering the economic time.

All the blogs out there have all the information every single course has, and it's current, these blog writers are doing deals TODAY. the best information is often times FREE, well, at least it may not cost money, it just costs time and energy, a willingness to learn, ask questions, humble yourself and follow those who are doing it.I still have 4 people I call almost dailiy to iron out something I have no clue about and read voraciously about what is working and what is not.

Over the years, I've done a lot of investing in stocks, mutual funds, options, warrants, commodities and foreign currencies, but am now focusing more of my time and energy into real estate.