http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2012-12-19/six-month-delinquent-mortgages-amount-more-half-bank-americas-market-cap

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/chained-cpi-inflation-measure-means-103000740.htmlIt looks like one of the changes to likely come out of the fiscal cliff deal is that we will be changing the way that inflation is calculated, again.

My cruiser doesn't go in a pickup, it goes on the trailer, now my Transalp dual sport could go in the truck....LOLShould have done this as a PM, now for a real estate related statement:Scott, I'd urge you not to fall into the slumlord mentality.

Also, news of major employers shutting down or the opposite could predict pricing changes.

The good news is that rentals are doing excessively well due to the current college and local hospitals' rapid growth rate.

Wait until the news channels start picking up the housing market is returning and interest rates might be going up soon.The herds will really kick in then and the sellers mentality will jump from buyers market to neutral or sellers market when looking at offers and financing options.Some markets have already rebounded.

I recommend reading the "How to Analyze the News" article at the Joel Skousen web site.

The good news is that we should have some bright, shiny permits after 6 or so months of fighting with them, threatened suits, etc.

You know where the high crime area are, not because you researched it, but because you have been watching the local news for years and know where the high crime areas are.

Beyond all the possible money that can be made (slowly and carefully, no "get rich quick" schemes in REI, no matter what the so-called gurus try to sell you), there's just no beating that thrill of pursuit, negotiation, trial and error, success (hopefully big) and failures (hopefully small), and being in that mindset of "potential for profit" every time you drive through a new street, read a news item or hear about some new development, regardless of setting and environment (at home, in the office or on holiday/leisure) it's just awesome fun, for me at least. :))Don't forget to have fun, and best of luck!