There is a growing trend of ‘national’ real estate investing.  This is something that I have been doing for years, not because I’m any type of genious, but out of necessity.  Investors are turning to the national stage to invest as their local areas continue to search for a bottom or live in areas where credit remains incredibly tight and mortgage rates above average.

National investing can help you diversify your portfolio geographically and with the advent of technology is no longer a cost-intensive endeavor.

That said, I want to encourage people to begin following the oil and gas.  What do I mean by that?  Scope out areas that are due to come in line for massive oil and natural gas exploration.  These areas have become some of the biggest real estate boom towns in the past and will continue to be so no matter what the downturn.  An additional tip, take a look at the companies that are active in the area.  The best real estate areas follow the best exploration and production companies.  Since stocks are leading indicators, look up the recent stock price form confirmation on the potential success in the new development.