thats an interesting way of looking at things, but honestly, i just cant be bothered...especially with moving and such. ive moved three times. out of my parents house into the dorms, then from the dorms into my house, and from my house to my current place. we have no intention of making an investment of this house, as when im ready to move, we will sell it for whatever price we can get...i plan on losing money, because thats what i do. bank on losses, hope for gains. we paid very little for the house so we wont lose money...however, your example of houses doesnt apply, or so i feel. if you buy a house, it basically begins gaining worth right away. the second that challenger leaves the lot, its worth less. if it stickers for 40k, and you pay 60k, when you drive it off the lot, its worth 35k. it gradually becomes less and less valuable, until it hits that point where it is a collectors item. people bought first gen vipers for way over sticker, and now you can get one for 25-30k. plus, that 20k markup on a car will go down, but houses do not, as there is no point where 'no one is looking for a house',. but when the bull market for the challenger dies, everyone else will be paying sticker...just like the charger, the new stang, etc...

but please dont think that im bagging on you, as its a fine idea, but i hate moving. i settle in, and get comfy.

the same goes for a car...i buy the car, do to it as i please...and its mine..i never plan on making money on a car.