I’m sure you had the one nostalgic relative (mother, father, grandfather, etc…) who would always talk about the way things used to be. “In my days, the subway cost a nickel.”

Yes, and it’s now 2 bucks.

We now have this wonderful invention called the Internet, democratizing information and investment; leveling the masses to an educational playing field that has really never been experienced before.

1. The spread of information has been pretty rapid and as I noted yesterday, can cause serious consequences in extremely short periods (the Apple Engadget saga).

2. In more current news, it seems that the Bloomberg Administration in New York City has decided to make another attempt to develop the Manhattan property known as the Hudson Yards. Now, instead of a stadium, it wants to create another hub for business, similar to Midtown and Downtown. So again, we’re seeing the great democratization of the bidding process and while Bloomberg has his preferences, there will be an open and prolonged bidding process around this property.

Why?

Because the developers want to make extensive use of the financial leverage available in a real estate transaction. You should be using the same principles: Look for investment in property where you can put as little down, yet generate positive cash flow once the property is developed and/or purchased. Over the long run, rent increases and your mortgage dissappears, leaving you with an expensive asset that you can sell for a tidy profit. The real estate moguls use these principles. Why shouldn’t you?

3. The New York Times reports that the Ivy League Crunch Brings New Cachet to Next Tier. Again, as information becomes more readily available to the masses, standards become tougher. More students apply for top tier so demand increases. Supply remains tight because the Ivy League consider themselves exclusive and the bastion of arrogance. The result is a column like this.