Actually, I think that when the market does finally hit bottom and the inventory drops to below 6 months worth of sales that the "bounce back may gather momentum very quickly. There are a lot of people who got a taste of not working for a living and who are sitting on the sidelines trying to work the REO flips and such right now. By the time this drags on, I think these people will jump back in at the first opportunity.

Bugs, i know exactly what you mean.  My take on this is how long it takes for us to reach the bottom. 

Those flippers you're talking about may not have any wherewithal left when all is said and done.  I know a couple professional flippers.  They have to keep their crew paid, fed and nourished.