But I think you're overplaying it's attributes and attempting to minimize the Bay Area's influence.

It all depends on the specific market area and what is the overall influence these distressed sales have in value trends and market conditions. 

You can more actively and comfortably engage with other agents, growing your network and your sphere of influence.3.)

Age of the property usually has some influence over maintenance expenses (1907 vs. 1997 vs. 2007 all have different implications).

I would highly recommend that you read both The little red book on selling and How to win friends and influence people. 

I'm out and about in the neighborhood quite a bit but have as a 25 year old, my circle of influence is still getting ramped up.

People will then see me as a center of influence even if I do not have the capital or equity partners to close deals myself.  

You can meet these people outside of the RE biz circle by being aware of who you come into contact at the gym, church, Elks (or whatever) club, alumni events, community meetings, neighbors, kids games and anywhere people gather.Remember that if you are purchasing RE or have influence with someone who purchases RE, you have value to everyone in the RE arena.  

That said, I'm not certain if the promise of better market rents (vs. what it's currently actually renting for) is good enough to influence the appraiser's valuation.

Investors - I am gearing up for my first Real Estate Fund and have a quick question that will influence how I proceed.