Just like anything else, there's an art to putting together deals, and the most successful realtors have mastered that art.

If you can learn to measure people through the art of interviewing, you'll learn an invaluable skill. 

This is more art than science but you could calculate what you need to have a 6-12 month emergency fund should the unexpected happen (job loss, economic crash, etc.) and keep that amount liquid or available.  

To do so I have prepared by reading a few books, most recently "The art of wholesaling properties," listening to BP podcasts, and reading BP posts. 

This is one of those situations where tax return prep is both an art and a science.TECHNICALLY....You can only deduct mortgage interest if you are personally liable for the debt.  

There are coffee shops and arts warehouses and all kinds of cutesy stores popping up.

That sounds exactly like the modus operandi that the author of this ebook I read on the subject called "My Life & 1000 Houses: The Art of Owner Financing" does.  

Outside of SF and Oakland, the next hub for arts and culture would be Sacramento.

@Art Ritter  Thanks for the good advice.....do you have any recommendations relative to a friendly or knowledgeable REI attorney and CPA?  

The art is how to talk to them so it seems like your not a new investor who doesn't know what they are doing, nor will waste their time (the most important step).