Is that amount worth risking at this time potentially having to pay from your primary residence?

Dallas on the other hand has more growth potential in certain markets in my opinion.

MarketFinder: Helps you identify potential markets across the US that fit your criteria for investing and shows you this info below plus more based on zipcode, here's an example for a zip in Denver. https://www.biggerpockets.com/marketsDealFinder: Once you find a market you can dig into specific homes on the market at  https://www.biggerpockets.com/deals

Buy at a discount given the lack of building potential and can always pass that discount along when I sell.2.

Depending on the loan amount for the new property, roughly a little over half of the gain could be deferred through the exchange.Without a 1031, they’ll face taxes on the entire gain, including federal capital gains tax (likely 15% based on their income), California state tax, and depreciation recapture, potentially totaling $130-150K.

Duplexes or small multifamily properties, even with value-add strategies, rarely match the potential of single-family homes in the right neighborhoods.In summary:Don’t be discouraged by low cap rates—they reflect market expectations of future growth.Focus on single-family homes with high equity potential in desirable areas.Avoid chasing the "economy of scale" myth with small multifamily properties—they often come with higher turnover and lower buyer appeal.Think long-term: prioritize properties that grow in value, even if cash flow is tight at first.

They tell you that they "cherry pick" potential clients, but belive it or not they don't!

Also, good call on the potential rent control- I will research that a bit further. 

Owner occupied loans have allowed us to purchase properties in markets with heavy appreciation, and potential for huge rent increases.

I am foreseeing a bit of a push back or even turned-off potentially decent tenants by the $50/pp screening fee, mostly for a family of 4 ($200 out of pocket).I was wondering if offering a credit of either 50% or the full 100% of the screening costs from the first or second month's rent is a good idea.Thought?