I know that was probably riding the wave, but why not repeat that with investment properties right?!

The car contributes to your ability to earn, you won't ride a bycycle to preview propereties!

Then, I head for home and do something like ride my bicycle (usually 8 - 10 miles each afternoon).

Make sure you consult experienced people like real estate attorneys and CPA's who can research 1031 exchanges and updates that affect them.These transactions are not easy and as you are transferring your old basis of the relinquished property to the replacement property much is riding on your decisions and legal paperwork from the beginning.

To the people who are crying "But I pay my bills, why should the debt ridden get a free ride, blah, blah, blah?"

Otherwise, you're going to be taken for a ride.

vs. the macro level (what will it do over the long term, 10 or 20 yrs).At the micro level, some areas will see a roller coaster while others will see a smooth ride with little or no appreciation for some period of time.How long?

There will still be equity in it and I figure I could ride it out until it appreciates and then sell.

Let me jump in and help ride this wagon.

Unfortunately these type of government hands outs are abused more often then they are used for good.Time to end the free ride for some people.