Bay Area Newbie - How to Start

[Karen W.]

I have a few units out of state but am interested in the Bay Area now that I live here. I've followed a few seasoned veterans from the area here on BP. It seems like several have strong relationships with realtors or know the market through some other means well enough to still find deals. As someone new to the area, it's been difficult to grasp how to approach and find a good deal here. Nothing seems to cash flow even positive and with many saying the appreciation market is softening significantly in the next year or 2, it seems pretty impossible to find a solid deal that will carry through a possible looking correction without destroying me. Is anyone willing to give some advice? Thanks!