Opportunity does exist during a down real estate market!  Mortgage rates are at a historic low and families are able to purchase their first home due to the low housing prices currently on the market and a high inventory of homes available. For real estate investors, it is wise to buy in this current low market and just hold on to it rather than selling right away. Purchasing pre-foreclosed or foreclosed properties is also another opportunity to purchase well below market value.   It can be sold quickly by using seller financing or lease to buy option.  Many homeowners are struggling and properties have been taken over by the bank.   Locate these properties in the bank's Real Estate Owned (REO) department.