Convince me:  tell me some (reality-based) facts that counter what I read in the newspapers? 

On a side note, I am a PNW native but now live in TX...much, much better here. 

There was a report on an apartment fire here, over 20 tenants became homeless, and the newspaper lamented that was because no one had renters insurance.Just to mention your tenant will sue you for negligence in the absence of such insurance.

Well since I only invest locally I rely on local knowledge, the business section of the local newspaper, talking to commercial RE brokers that always know what's happening with new developments and the business scene.

Very.Plus also remember that a lot of people who live in nyc now aren’t natives.

We rehabbed the unit for around $12K and have a tenant in place paying $700.Newspaper Ad: We bought a 93' 3/1 in excellent condition for $7500.

When newspapers report on rents becoming so unaffordable here, I think to myself, lucky me, I'm the one collecting the rents, and thanks Grandma. 

The local news paper still makes thousands of dollars per year, lol.

@Jacob Whitbeck that is a proclamation I hear from many natives!

@Lee Schram- they are printed in the newspaper here and they contain all the needed information.Sharon