To get a realistic picture of what might ensue, go dig out a copy of the movies that launched Mel Gibson's career, the Mad Max series. I think the first one was called Mad Max and the second one, the best in my opinion, was called Mad Max, the Road Warrior. Don't bother with the third which featured Tina Turner, it was a typical sequel rip off. I can't see the wisdom of owning real estate in an apocalyptic world. Property rights will no doubt be lost, either through government action or anarchy. Similarly, it will be essential to have stockpiled weapons and ammo, as gun bans and confiscation, like they tried in New Orleans, will be a definite possibility. The only real defense will be to have a refuge in a defensible rural area, eg Appalachian Mountains where figitive bomber Eric Rudolf was able to elude a federal manhunt for years.