I actually lived in downtown LA before I went to TX, so I'm vaguely familiar with the SoCal region.

.-3.4 acre lot on a small creek within a half mile of one of those cute small downtown areas. 

Even if it is in an area with zero setbacks (unlikely outside of an urban downtown), there are generally zoning regulations that dictate Floor Area Ratio.

Thanks Alex, actually an area Northeast of Downtown called Near North or Ryon... rapidly gentrifying area, think a cheaper Heights.

Hey folks,Closing on a retail space at the end of September and have interest in renters who want the space for a two-three year rental commitment, but not until December...that means two months of vacancy in a hot downtown retail space.

I live in Prince Edward Island Canada There is a property down town that a guy is completely gutting from the inside out.

We are looking at a duplex in an up and coming area in SLC, UT that is near a great park, close to downtown, and starting to see a lot of restaurants and stores coming into the area.  

I've actually been looking at a property downtown that I would love to get your opinion on.

I would say that it does seem to have a good ROI as people are doing developments all over the downtown area right now.

Do you think the higher return outweighs the risks (such as crime, vacancies, and maintenance expenses) when compared to a property in say downtown or midtown Sacramento which seems to me a pure appreciation play right now?