I've talked to lots of California and a few NYC investors that have lost money (including myself) who bought inexpensive properties in the Midwest mostly and a few in the South (Class C is volatile). - some strategies I've seen California investors use to lessen negative cash flow: house hacking, mid-term rentals (people temporarily displaced from home renovation or insurance reasons like fire), rent by the room, Short Term Rentals. - The ultimate house hack, live in the small ADU unit and rent out the two levels of the main house on AirBnb in San Francisco (I would have thought STRs are oversaturated in S.F. but it worked for them and they stay fully booked).

However, one of the other REITs I invested in quadrupled in price, and as a whole I’m $150,000 positive.  

Hey @Chris GarnesI just came across your post, and it immediately reminded me of a project I handled with a colleague in San Diego, Dennis Bragg - https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/page/3607  - You’re sitting on some serious potential with these two properties, and your plan to step back from construction while finishing them makes total sense.For Home 1, with no mortgage and a prime design upgrade underway, you’ve got flexibility that most investors would envy.

It’s a good idea to work with a qualified intermediary and a tax advisor to ensure everything is structured properly and you’re clear on any tax implications.

Our pro forma for the self storage property we built was rock solid until we opened the business and a year later I was facing losing everything because of all sorts of factors beyond my control.

There is statutory, and as you pointed out, now Fannie/Freddie guidelines, that exempt many transfers from being subject to the Due On Sale Clause...asset protection/estate planning purposes are covered.

These platforms are affordable and offer comprehensive reports (credit, background, eviction history) without you having to handle sensitive information directly.Verify Employment and Landlord History: Your plan to request pay stubs and a landlord reference is solid.

Now, over a year and a half later, he sent a certified letter last week demanding the security deposit or legal action within 30 days.Please advise. 

This deal highlights the power of well-executed renovations and a strong partnership in achieving impressive profits.

The regulation was ruled illegal and a permanent injunction was issued.