It seems speculators hoping to make a quick buck by flipping houses have finally fled the sagging housing market. Sales of investment homes fell 28.9 percent in 2006 to 1.65 million, compared with 2.32 million in 2005, according to a new study by the National Association of Realtors.Nationwide, the typical investment property cost $150,000 in 2006, down from $183,500 in 2005. Local analysts say the rush of investors trying to rid themselves of properties has greatly added to the record number of Valley homes on the market. Many speculators are also likely facing foreclosure, market researchers say.Here are a few more facts from the NAR study:* Last year, investment-home buyers were a median age of 39 and earned an income of $90,250.* Thirty-seven percent of investment homes are in suburbs, 22 percent in rural areas, 18 percent in urban areas and 7 percent in resort areas.* Sixty-three percent are detached single-family homes.* Twenty percent of investment homes were bought in the West.

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