Aloha @Kaleb Ahonen - my team and I take an Off Market/Distressed Property approach in the Inland Empire, San Diego, Orange County and LA. 

My roof is not dark (it's metal, orange-like color) but it's not really visible given the higher elevation compared to the street. 

I know I want to start small/slow with one project (either a rehab/flip or a buy/hold long-term rental) and invest only in areas that I know or live (Los Angeles, Orange County, CA) at least in the beginning.

Think of it like planting two trees instead of one...they might not bear a ton of fruit right away, but over time, you'll have a richer harvest.

I actually live in Orange County.

Comparing Equity with debt is kind of apples vs. oranges. 

>Orange County’s rates are steady, with limited increases expected until 2025.

These discussions and thoughts will hopefully help other people make decisions about what they want to work toward and when they want to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

The reason is, the original farm house + 5 acres in the 60’s was occupied by a group of 5 families that were into some strange kind of “natural living “ they only ate a few kinds of fruits and seeds.

The low hanging fruit has already been picked.