It's hard to say post Helene what the sentiment will be. 

"I think it's a sentimental thing."

So regardless of "sentiment" towards out-of-state investors you may have received from your work colleague its incorrect. 

If there are items of value left behind, or even personal items of sentimental value, I will follow the abandonment rules to a "T" to avoid any legal issues.

There is some sentimental value I need to be wary of based on the inheritance, but it is a very nice home on a very nice lot, and it would be nice to own another rental in this area.     

For me - my two cents are no amount of innovation can replace sound underwriting and valuation practices.Curious to others thoughtsOn the surface I agree with your sentiment.

@Placeholder PlaceholderOne word of caution I would advise: If a community or local government is enacting restrictions and also regularly enforcing them, then its often a reflection of the local community sentiment which increases the chance of a neighborhood or nearby resident calling you in if they think you may be running an STR.

I realize no one has a crystal ball, but I see no scenario where the housing shortage did not get worst in coastal CA by the elimination of 1000s of homes.As stated I agree with your sentiment. 

From the sentiment of your post it seems like you're viewing the buyers as strictly investors when they may lean more towards traditional homeowners looking for a quality of life improvement or an improvement on their current financial situation today.Let's say the buyer pays 465k and has a 5% interest rate.

In the meantime I would put the money in a low risk account gaining 4-5% which for $250k would be around $1k/month.Hey Chris - what is driving the sentiment not to buy anything right now?