This is where I'm very inexperinced and don't understand what is standard for industry or what could potentially bite me down the road.

.- Many of these HCOL areas also have strict limitations on AirBnB or short-term rentals... that do not apply to owner-occupants - thus allowing for extreme cashflow potential for house-hackers.

Alternatively, restructure the loan with equity participation for potential capital gains treatment at lower rates.

It's slightly less expensive than Redding but a very short commute so it's a great place for starter homes, too.There is a property in Shasta lake that has some potential.

Assume a couple of months of vacancy, consider potential unexpected repairs (like HVAC or plumbing issues), and test the numbers with rents dropping by 10-15%.

I do believe if the potential investors asks for an opinion, if you provide your opinion it should be an honest opinion and not necessarily what will achieve the commission.

So, they could potentially buy another house later on.

Really interested in investing in this market and would accept a relatively low return (or even a break even scenario because i believe in continued appreciation potential here). 

@Michael Keffer Hi Mike, I am still interested in learning more about Ocala FL for potential future investment. 

Here you would have to put it in the MLS if your are with NAR, but it wouldn't syndicate out to all of the public sights, and you can send it to any potential buyer that you may know.