I want to be able to find potential markets/listings nationally based on the return. 

Rentals are tough based on the rents vs the purchase price of homes out there.

@David Naphy With a strong credit score you can do better than 8% on a DSCR based cash out refi today. 

And will you have ongoing maintenance issues beyond your CapEx based on the building's age.I personally would be suspect of this deal.

Following - I'm also based in The Bay Area 

Roi will be judged based on action taken, connections made and net worth growth.

I’m a full-time sales professional at a global GSI, so I’m seeking relatively efficient strategies.Has anyone successfully used cash-out refinances, 1031 exchanges, or other equity-based approaches to boost income?

Based on some of the research done, I am inclined towards starting out with a small multi family investment property (2-4 multi family home).

Time is money in the service world and you should expect a base charge if a PMC has to send a ServiceTech to fix something that truly only take 10 minutes to do.

I have used this method in the past and 90% of time has worked, perhaps I was just lucky, I'm not an attorney but based my thoughts on common sense and what I have read.