Put in expensive toilet paper and see if you get comments on how nice and cushiony it is.

My first question is do I pick a good, better, best system that costs from less to more $$ and do I justify the more expensive energy efficient system to grab a little higher rents since tenants will save money.

• Investing in High-Cost Markets: The Bay Area is an expensive market, but we’re open to exploring out-of-state opportunities if they provide better returns.

@Jacques CaspiTo succeed in real estate investing, I’ve found it’s crucial to budget for unexpected expenses, focus on thorough tenant screening, and build strong relationships with contractors.

A couple months of vacancy, a soft rental economy, or a major expense could eat up your equity.

Moving walls usually requires figuring out what is or isn't load bearing and likely putting a large and usually expensive header.

The big downside of these established markets is that they tend to be expensive and hard to make cash flow.

San Diego’s average house hold income is about what you stated, but the median is a surprisingly low (considering US news and world report lists it as the most expensive US city) ~$100k.  

Going to court to retrieve 5k would be really expensive...

Built in the last 50 years but before 1990.Currently rented for <$7000 gross but could likely be raised to >$8000.Expenses are as follows:Taxes - $13,000/Yr or ~$1083/MoInsurance - $3100/Yr or ~$260/MoMaintenance, Repairs, Vacancy, Trash Removal - ~$1000/Mo.Now, seller wants 850k & 10% down, interest TBD.