so predicting a crash on the peninsula has been great sport now for the last 4 decades.. the biggest crash happened in SF in 89 to 92 prices did crash some then.. but then made new highs by mid to late 90s.. and now with TEch fully entrenched you have a world class city with no peer.. prices are taking a breather ..

Or are you on the sidelines waiting for a crash?

I have a dumpster arriving on Monday and some kid labor to clean it.

We've seen a lot of new investors since the crash in 2008 - 2010.

When I first arrived here almost 5 years ago, I knew I wanted to get into real estate but had no idea what I wanted to do or where to start.

for me it was too late by the time I arrived

Also in the next 10 years we will likely see another crash.

I've used the strategies others have mentioned with success:Ultrasonic repellant devices (spaced every 20' or so if you can)Bounce fabric softener sheetsSteel wool and/or expanding foam in every crack and crevice that makes sense.If your cleaners aren't arriving right away, you will need someone to do a "check out" procedure after guests leave, to make sure the trash is immediately taken out, and no food of any kind is present, wipe countertops, etc.

You rarely hear from those who crashed and burned from REI.

Except that with the market being so hot right now and with the way that Vallejo and all of the East Bay crashed in 2008 I would be a little bit worried about buying right now.