The difference here is the seller’s ability to literally do nearly anything she wants because of her financial condition. She’s incredibly bright and even after just a few minutes of me running off at the mouth about different approaches, she grasped relatively ’sophisticated’ concepts very easily.

She’s gonna kick some major butt.

She’s not short-sighted as much as uninformed of what’s available on her options menu. She has a bunch more options than the typical investor.

Great question - We look for a solid employment base, and hopefully current and projected job growth. It’s also encouraging to see the big retail players either in place, or better yet, just arrived or coming soon.

We also look at the last decade’s real estate performance. Was it steady like a D-8 tractor, or did it show some spikes? What’s their rental market like - crucial. Vacancy rates - both now and projected.

What do home builders think of the area?

One of our most important questions is how the local and state governments treat the business sector. For example California has been terrible in that regard for a long time, causing significant defections. Idaho is pro business, as is Boise - which is always encouraging to investors, builders, and the heavyweights like Wallmart.

Our feet on the ground is the final step. There’s just no substitute for ensuring you’re seeing what ‘they’re’ seeing.

>,,,what indicators point to better things ahead?

I’ll take the macro view for this one.

Relatively low income tax and capital gains rates. The continued growth of job creation, resulting in a low unemployment rate. A Federal Reserve Chairman not enamored by interest rates alone, but by money supply. Bernanke is that guy.

Finally, is the federal gov’t more or less staying out of the way of business in general? Of course these days that’s a relative term at best, isn’t it?

Thanks for the questions, Nate. Please come back often.

Great. Let me know if you find a Buyer who cares.