Even if you eventually decide on another location as a permament retirement home, buying a good investment propery, at a good price, is not a bad idea. Of course, only you can decide how liquid you want your resources to be. Sometimes it takes years of research and fact-finding, and other times it is just the luck of the draw. It sounds as if you have a good handle on how you want to proceed. Do what is best for you, using your own style of decision-making. I have found the people who post here to be honest and sincere. I have seen few, if any, shills. Take what they have to say to heart, but ultimately we all have to decide what is best for ourselves based on our own instincts. Good luck to you, and I hope you find what you are looking for.