The New Year is upon us and the uncertainty that 2009 brings weigh heavily upon investors.  2008 is over and will go down in the history books for many reasons.  A historic presidential election, drastic

deterioration in the housing, credit, Stock Markets and the Domestic Auto Industry on verge of bankruptcy.   It was a year that went from where is the ceiling to where is the bottom.  Words and phrases

become common vocabulary at the water coolers:

So What? Short Sale    Loan Modification

BPO  Sheriff Sale    Bridge-Loan

REO  Bail-Out    Redemption Period

People often ask me what I am doing during these bleak economic times.  I often look back on history to help guide me on what path to take in the future.   The Great Depression brought times of disparity to many Americans as well as opportunity to others.  There where many fortunes made during the depression that would not be realized until years later.  Fortunes made by individuals that had the wherewithal and the means to invest when others where running scared.  As quoted by Baron de Rothschild, “When there is blood in the streets, buy property.”   This is a quote that ruminates within the heads of savvy investors.   I am circumventing the entire mortgage process and buying properties at such rock bottom prices from their highs of just a few years ago, mortgages are not required.   History will show if I am right or wrong but it sure feels right to me.  With a 100% cash on cash return within 6-12 months, I do not see much of a down side.

May 2009 be a successful year for you and your endeavors.

Chris Yatooma,

President

Real Estate Investors Association of Oakland