Hankster please, I am an adult now I am taking those pills to eliminate pain... As far as real estate goes as far as I am concerned it is the same everywhere. Some places values rise faster and drop faster. Some places the opposite is true. The fundamental principals are the same, supply and demand and location, location, location.The only way I have been able to do it is buy fixer uppers. I may have mentioned in a drug induced state. The house I bought in the great state of Washington was in a remote spot ( well Kinda) had sat on the market for over a year, I cant remember if it was 2 years. No body wanted it, So I took it. The view is unrivaled of the Mutiny Bay and hurricane ridge. Contrary to Addicted's style I worked my butt off on that place all my weekends that were available. The first 4 years were as a rule spent working on the place. My point is simple the population of the west coast is going to explode... prepare yourself. If I could afford to right now I would be looking to purchase investment property. The people are going to come if the predictions are accurate so brace yourself.