And now there is renewed hope of a bi-partisan compromise.

If the Senate remains in Republican control, getting new tax legislation passed without many compromises may be difficult to achieve.

Don't ever compromise your criteria, but make sure that your criteria has a legitimate reason for existing.

One rule that I never compromise on is never ever paying more than appraised value.

If you see unexplained charges for $1 or $2 that you did not initiate (even if they are refunded), your accounts have been compromised.

@Nate Sanow Please peek at the above, I feel we made a solid compromise.

The compromise I’m coming to is focusing on out of state markets I have visited or lived in (there have been many in my case).

Pick the things you want addressed without compromise, and be ready to "let go" of the others.

They are pretty big decks and look like they are in good shape but the footings all need to be redone and the structure in compromised in a few areas so I could never get a permit now without some serious repair.  

I know there is always the option of finding my first deal out of the city (in-state/not in LA or out of state), however, would like it to be local (might even be a live in situation with tenants for a year while I plan for my second door).My broad goals (being a newb, I’m sure the finer details will come with time):Long-term (next 5-10 years): “Retire” from my low $100Ks career with a diversified portfolio compromised of real estate (primary) and investments through 401K + supplemental Roth IRA (secondary).