At CA tax rates it doesn't take much to be a significant number!  

The only other option I see is a short sale, if you don't need to purchase for a few years and don't mind a temporary credit hit to save the $60k.  

Some guys I work with were getting 90% advance rates in Houston, but I think the banks are back to 70-80% now.

Average rental rates, vacancies, competition, growth, appreciation, etc..Ive heard of scrolling through Zillow and collecting information by looking at properties for sale/rent but was wondering if there is a site where all of this information is easily accessible or any ideas for better ways to go about it.Thanks in advance!

Here are some general guidelines: Lien Position1st Position LienEquityMinimum Down Payment of 20-25% (a 30% equity to sale price is preferred)Down Payment made in certified funds and not borrowedMaximum Funding of 70% ITV (Investment to Value)SeasoningMinimum of two monthly payments already made12 months or more preferredPayer CreditCredit Score of 650 or higherNo major derogatory trade lines (No 90-180+ days delinquent, foreclosure, repossession, bankruptcy, etc.)No decline in credit since purchase of businessTermsPrefer 60 months or lessMaximum of 72 monthsNo Balloon Payment preferredCash FlowBusiness has positive cash flow1.25 debt service coverage ratio preferred.DocumentationPersonal guarantee from a creditworthy individualStandard documents including Note, Security Agreement, and UCC-1 filing.Tax Returns on the business that substantiate profit and loss statements.OtherPayment history current and verifiablePayer Interview indicating buyer is satisfied with business and comfortable making paymentsMotivation for selling the note is not a result of a deteriorating businessConsideration of high risk businesses or geographic areasIn these situations, sometimes a partial is a better option. 

Just make sure you’re comfortable with the interest rate if going either route.  

Huge thanks to Bo Stevens from Jean D'arc credit union, for helping me get a solid loan with a 6% interest rate with a super smoothe process.

It earns a great rate of return compared to a bank account and is fairly liquid.

You may need to pay points if you put less than 20% down, but lots of no point options once you get to 20% down as long as you have decent credit scores. 

It is not your credit score but generally better credit will result in a better score- Time at your job- Education level- time at current residenceGood Luck & feel free to PM me if you have any questions.