Rule #1 - never be a forced buyer or forced seller. 

Air Force!

Often they leave before the nice Sheriff forces them, because they know you'll be filming the fun action.

Use tools like SWOT analysis and Porter's Five Forces to gain insights into market dynamics.Supply Chain and ExecutionEvaluate the feasibility and reliability of supply chains and execution plans.

While some people are forced to invest OOS, and sometimes it makes sense, I think for most investors, staying close to home solves lots of problems and Warren Buffet says invest in what you KNOW. 

Of course all of these determinations of both return and risk are subjective; I rely on my experience to be able to properly discern the data and clues available concerning not only a particular investment but the economic forces in general.  

I already have an agent but if anyone is able to help with the search it would be greatly appreciated.In regards to location, I would like to stay in Santa Monica, or somewhere close and the unit needs to have at least one bedroom.Thank you in advance,ySkylerAloha Skyler,  are you planning to BRRRR, House Hack, or do Forced Equity/Appreciation? 

The larger the deal, the lower percentage the fee should be.1-2% Asset management fee5-8% preferred return to investors (I don’t like higher than 8%, as this forces the sponsor to sell, in order to profit)70/30 to 80/20 split (I don’t like 90/10 splits, as there is little incentive for the sponsor to perform)A waterfall that incentivizes the sponsor at a 13-16% IRR is ok as well.

This strategy allows for a relatively fast recycling of cash and free cash flow.The market has shifted hard and appreciation is not on the same trajectory as it was a few years ago, but it does still exist especially if you can force it. $200-$300k of appreciation on day one on a sub $1M property in the Bay Area is pretty good.

You should only consider switching when your current software has a significant flaw or lacks features that force you to spend excessive time on workarounds.