Another new investor in the Bay Area...

[Charles B.]

Hello all, my name is Charles and I recently moved to the bay area from the midwest for a great career opportunity. I have always had an interest in REI, since my teens, but could never find enough resources to be confident enough to start. I did, however, end up turning more towards stock market investing, and have been successful. I am a huge fan of Warren Buffet and also take a lot (though not all) of my financial principles from Dave Ramsey. I stumbled upon this website and community about a year ago when I decided that RE would be a component in my portfolio. My short term goals are to research REI specifically in the bay area. Since I am from the midwest, a lot of things are new to me out here, like the high property cost and the fluctuations in the market. I welcome any information anyone can give me. I am more inclined to try buy and hold, or buy with intent to sell after a few years.

Key questions I have are: 

When is the best time to buy out here? Where are areas to look at, or to avoid? Can I realistically expect returns equal to, or greater than what I come to expect from the stock market? What are some good strategies?

I look forward to the thrill of finding a good deal and making friends and partners with similar goals within the REI community. Hello again, and thanks in advance!