I'll preface this by saying that this is simply my opinion and in no way am I an expert. With that said.. I don't think there is a better time to pursue wealth than now.

Everyone likes to think you become rich while the economy is booming.. and that is true, a lot do. But while everyone is panicking about real estate there are two things stick out to me:

a) There is a ton of inventory, with fewer buyers. This alone drives prices down, even if you are not looking to invest in real estate it still makes for a good time to buy a house. I assume the only hard part is that the qualifications for a home loan just got harder considering the mortgage crisis. But this is a cycle, the market always makes a comeback and those prices will rise again over time.

b) Inflation, with home values dropping the cost of goods are going up. Again I'm no expert but this says to me that it is only a matter of time before home prices do the same. If you get your foot in now its likely you will be able to ride the appreciation wave.

I'm posting this for feedback and information purposes. I currently have a house and considering renting it out then purchasing a duplex. I figure if I can build up a good RE portfolio I won't have to work as hard in the future.

I have some other things to add but limited time, I'll add more later.