[oregon woodsmoke]

There are lots of people asking where they should buy.

This is where I reccomend that you buy: where you want to be.

There are a couple of really good reasons. First be aware that it is possible to make money in any real estate market and any location. You just have to figure out how the successful locals are doing their investing and do what they are doing.

Decide where you would like to live, or where you would like to vacation. You are going to be going to visit your property, so you might as well go and visit a location that you really like.

If you are doing vacation rentals, you will probably actually be using your property for a few weeks out of the year. So make it a location where you want to spend your vacation.

The most important reason is that you are good at recognizing what you like.

If you love nightlife and gambling and shopping, you'll like Maccau. But what is important is that everyone who goes there for vacation is going for the gambling and night life and shopping. You know what makes you happy, where you would like to stay while you are there, so you are qualified to pick out the best investment. Get something you want to stay in yourself and it will be a success.

If you love to sail, you are qualified to pick out a good harbour and sailing location. You know what a sailer wants in a place to stay.

I am looking at Uruaguay, because it has what I want. I like quiet strolls on the beach, happy families, enough nightlife, but not my primary consideration. I am not a shopper, and I like the food and the weather. (The national food is a roast beef sandwich, topped with egg and cheese. Count me in. In fact, give me two of them)

Since that is what people are going for if they have chosen Uruguay as their destination, I am qualified to pick out a good vacation rental for people who are attracted to the area. They like what I like.

If you want skiing or golf, look at my home town of Bend, Oregon. 2 ski mountains, 2 more ski mountians in day trip disrance, and over 30 golf courses. If you like to ski, you know what sort of rental makes you happy. If you like to golf, you know how to pick out the best golf course to be close to.

On the other hand, I think Macau looks like a good place to put some money, but the activities are not something I would do. So I might say "I'd never buy that apartment, it's too noisy" while someone who loves to do night clubs would love it because all they have to do is get on the elevator at 4 AM and they are home.

If you don't sail, how are you going to pick out the best marina for sailboats? If you don't trek, how are you going to know which mountains to buy next to?

You've got a built in talent for picking a good property. Take advantage of it.

Once you've chosen where you want to be, then you figure out how to make the best investment in that location.