How Do You Stay Ahead Of The Curve In San Francisco Bay Area Market?

[Patty C.]

After looking in San Francisco, the East Bay, South of San Francisco, and the North Bay, I decided to invest in the North Bay because the housing prices were still reasonable. 

Perhaps this is slipping away as well:  I just put in an all cash offer in a marginal area north of Petaluma and I am feeling the breakout from San Francisco.  There are over 20 offers that went as high as 110% over asking.  This is in a marginal area at the C/C- area. for a 3/2 house that is an advanced/mechanical rehab. project.

So what have investors been doing in this market? What is the best way to invest here? @Bill Gulley do you have any ideas? Any Big Dogs out there?