My plan is to wait until the bottom has clearly passed, and then start buying a home every year or so using very little of my own money, if those loan programs persist. If prices go up, I will sell the home with the most gain every year. When the market goes down, I will walk away from the debt.
Why figure out a new idea when an old one may still be available, and can make lots of money?
Does anyone think all the low/no-downpayment loans will be gone when prices start rising again? Barney and Chris sure seem very determined to make sure those loans continue, and any persistent price increases a few years from now might give them enough cover to broaden the programs so most people can scam them again.