This weekend I received an e-mail from one of my friends from school who currently lives in Russia.  He had read about the housing crisis in the United States and wanted to invest here.  His question:

“What can I get for $100,000 in the US?  I’m thinking about buying a large house on the beach.”

Contrary to reports, at least in this area you still can’t buy much of anything for $100,000.  For that amount, you’ll get a condo very far away.  Prices have fallen, but they’ll have to fall far more drastically to even approach that level.

Still, I thought it was rather funny.  He obviously has heard of the fire sales happening in Michigan and in other parts of the country where jobs are drying up.

My temptation was to reply that I am interested in visiting Russia.  Do I need a visa from the mafia to do so?