The cheapest long term solution would be to rip up the tile and but a fiberglass surround.

If the houses look run down, not kept up, it's most likely not Class A  and look at what's surrounding the neighborhood as far as types of businesses (check cashing, bars on their windows).Bay Area (it can be neighborhood by neighborhood and street by street) I don't know the Peninsula well but expensive Palo Alto would be Class A to me:Class A: Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Danville, Dublin, Pleasanton, maybe parts of Pleasant Hill and Concord, parts of  Pinole?

@Matthew Morrow is also a great resource on investing here in the valley and surrounding areas. 

Continue to surround yourself with other investors and you will be amazed at how much you can learn and progress through out your real estate journey.

Im a first time home buyer, no existing debt, self employed, bring in average $4k monthly, looking for a conventional fixed rate loan in PHX or surrounding areas.

Let's assume it's a full bath.The smallest possible full bath can be shoehorned into about a 4.5 x 5-foot floor area, usually what people consider a small full bath is 5 x 10 feet, with a tub and shower surround.

Hey BP Fans,I decided to start a thread in here to see who's lurking around here in Saint Louis, MO or the surrounding areas?

I recommend investing in economic bases near downtown and surrounding areas.

Hello Abby,My answers to your questions, everyone has different opinions but here are mine:1) Yes it is 100% worth it, if not only for the business line of credit you can establish2) Deals are harder and harder to find, at least where I am from and surrounding areas.

Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who are likely only a few steps ahead of you in the game will be invaluable for both you mindset (staying motivated, others holding you accountable for your goals) and tactical/strategic advice ( where to invest, how get creative with finding properties, financing them, etc).