Not in Laveen. Both of my two houses are in one of the best school districts in chandler, just mins to Intel site. Many chinese guys are also living in the same district. I am not familiar with Laveen and Maricopa. I guess you could get house for 70K in Laveen and possible <50K in Maricopa. but not sure how much you can rent it out. I have never searched there, I am always stick on good area.
My points is the deal. if you can get good deal, you need make quick action. Otherwise, sit back relax with coffee or beer. just like many folks here said, You can only get good deal by waiting, not by bidding. if you have the money and have the urgency to spend it or investment it, it is more likely that you got a so-so deal. But as you said, lots of investors here and it is difficult to get good deal now..
I personally do not think the weather matter too much. Still I heard many companies move to Phoenix, intel has a giant fab under construction and some other companies as well. I have talked with many american folks here. I have not met anybody who want to move to CA just because of weather. on the contrary, I have met many guys here who do not like CA because of the high living cost. Personally I have been living in San diego for 10 years, and also have house in San Diego, CA, but I like Phoenix in terms of real estate investment. It is difficult to get positive cash flow in at least San Diego. Of course, San Diego may has more balanced industry system, but san diego higher house price may limit its development. I am not familiar with Bay area, but if you can get good deal in cities within 1 hr to bay area with higher return, that should be better than Phoenix.
I am not familiar with Las vegas situation, so I can not compare between Las Vegas and Phonenix.
