I choose the PM company based on the positive review on BP and hope it is good choice.They say it will take 1-2 weeks to rent out.

It was an interesting lot, the county created a handful of parcels on the lake and opened it up as a lottery to win the right to choose and buy a parcel.

Direct mail is exclusively what I do, and I really agree with them--it's important to think through your specific audience.

@Adam SherwoodI'd save what I could for getting a property and pay down the loans later if the rate of return on the investment side is higher than the interest from your loans.Also, make sure you choose a good area here.

Assuming you live in the East Bay, why did you choose to hire a PM?

I'd love to hear more specifics from you...Investing in the stock market exclusively leaves too much downside potential. 

I think the most difficult part of all of this yet the most exciting part is that it's a "choose your own adventure" type of thing..

The information I am looking to obtain is how to gauge demand, pricing per night, locations to choose, and comparable properties so you can compete!

This is so I can have proof that whichever lawyer I choose to hire has successfully completed a real estate transaction for a buyer in Oakland California.Thanks!

It can be a viable strategy, but it all comes down to the people you choose to manage it.