They preyed on people inner motivation (which is family for most people) and try to relate to us so that we will put down our defenses.

And for investor to put up money for this is just financial suicide.. there was guys down in San Antionio doing this preying on non english speakers.. just a sleazy way to try to make a buck nothing to be proud of.I'm terrible at explaining it while trying to relate it to everyone's terminology. 

Hey @Kyle Thomas -- I am actually working a new project related to exactly those questions.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

We have an investment property in downtown SF - the relatively nice and safe SOMA area.

Related to that is the question of lender appraisal, even at a reasonable cap rate it will probably take a portfolio loan.You can try a lease with option to purchase.

So i have pretty sizable personal assets, along with a relative high income. 

Another step you could take would be to get connected to a good, relational hard money lender.

Buying quality assets with a larger amount down, making improvements, and paying off debt could get you there relatively quickly.