Jerry,
Check the real estate industry in Spokane. It is pretty lousy around here and I expect it will be essentially the same there. If you have cash reserves or can keep your day job, then this would be a good time to get started. While other HIs are bailing, (see
Jumping Ship) you might be able to start carving out your niche. But, like Jerry Mc and Rick said, don't expect to make any money until the RE market comes back.