One house like this popped up 3 weeks ago, and we got it in Escrow, but then the seller got cold feet and backed out (they had a contingency to find a new home).I have been looking for a while now... and I do not want to compromise on anything I'm looking for, because when I look at the comps I'm seeing that my budget is enough and because I may need to live in this house for many years (especially since the market may take a down turn).. but at the same time, I'm hoping to find a way to get access to more properties and not have to wait 2-3 weeks for a potential candidate to appear on the MLS. 

Usually though, a compromise is reached.

I find lake forest to be the perfect compromise relative to location, amenities, etc. most of our social life is in Irvine too, so just off Alton or Bake will keep us close to “comfort” yet allow us to own, not “kill” the bank and hopefully, grow some leveraged equity in our home. 

That could be a nice compromise. 

The compromise was much shallower talent pools.

As long as you never sell your 1031 is never compromised. 

We need to be smart here and find a balance of holding enough to keep reserves high and be ready to take advantage of possible opportunities in the future, but not move so much capital into hard assets that liquidity is compromised in the event of financial hardship with our portfolio.

Most multi-family properties in the area are selling WAY above asking with anywhere between 10-30 offers on each one unless they need a TON of work and those will get multiple offers by local investors.Part of your choice when house hacking as a couple is a compromise on things you mentioned: commute, comfort.

I was advised that we should show the full amounts of quotes we've received, then ask for a portion of what the total fixes are to compromise, and we may have a better chance of him reducing the price.

Otherwise, you'll need to work toward a compromise with the tenant.