As to how would I go about learning the markets....research listed properties and those sold, population growth or decline, job increases or decreases and types of jobs, capital improvements by city/town, how are the schools, what's the typical sales price , what does the typical sales price house look like, what are typical rehab costs for that area, and the specifics from good neighborhoods and bad, etc etc.Do the items listed above change, of course but they don't tend to change overnight and the mentee would be shown how to get all of this information. 

San Jose and Oakland show similar slow growth in recent months.So what’s the moral of the story?

The best growth area has been Seaside due to the military and hospitality industry requiring housing. 

The rate of growth is not evenly spread with some sectors faring better than the others.One of the effects of an upward looking economy is reflected in the rise in mortgage rates.

Massachusetts, where I lived from birth until June '06, has the second to worst job growth in the country.

I realize from how sore I am that I have muscles where I never thought I had :mrgreen: I think it will take 2 more days and we'll be done with the painting.I have an interesting story to tell you all....The house next door I've noticed is empty and looks like it has been for a bit.

I choose not to fear the future but to look for niches of growth and a haven for thinkers of all brands.In this "world's worst"economy I find many new opportunities and I am exploiting two with much success.

People buy "growth stocks" all of the time based on optimistic cash flow assumptions and nobody claims they have a "financial death wish."

Properties with huge yard growth,mail box stuffed with mail,newspapers stacked up like crazy stuff like that.

But the property prices have stabilized and 10% growth in RE value is predicted for this year and the next few years.- small, 1-3 bedroom 1 bathroom apartments in Tallinn are the most sought after, both as a home and as an investment (flipping/rental).