I wanna be a slumlord

I don't think everyone liked my divorce joke yesterday or that super depressing economist chart..sorry.  Kind of in a bad mood anyway because I joined a totally useless weight loss competition (this is very common January trading floor stupidity) that ends March 1.  Unfortunately I didn't lose anything.  So now everyone at work knows how much I weigh AND I may have actually put on weight.  So I'm basically starving for a few days.


Sets up for a rather unpleasant week for me as there is a lot going on in the markets too.  The Mexico City G20 pow-wow was a non-event while Germans agree (begrudgingly)  to the Greek Bailout.  Also Europe decides Wednesday on the second tranche of their program to help banks (LTRO-2).  People will probably spend a lot of time debating was it too big or not  big enough.  Add the never ending Oil debate and it sets up for a pretty annoying week.


That said, looks like American Landlords are having a great time as rents continue to climb.  You see, I actually really fantasize about being an international slum-lord.  Like many of my fellow HK expats, I have written astronomical rent checks to Mr Wang/Mrs. Lee(s) as they amass huge real estate portfolios at my expense.  Well good for them - I'm just jealous.  I do, however, still hold some hope I can fulfill my slumlord dream in the US.  Unfortunately I better get looking fast because Warren Buffet (who is like the Investing God and worth Bazillions) is thinking the same.  He'd buy millions of them (lucky him) but I'd be happy to start with one.  Good place to start would be in these cities.