My goal is to purchase 15 units in the next 5 years, and produce a cash flow of $20k per month within the next 10 years.  

Start there to see if it is even worth your while.

While at the same time taking a chunk of cash.  

I can't speak too much to the market on the Westside, but as far as affordability on the West Coast Spokane is worth looking into.

Agreed mate,I'm all about taking personal responsibility and I have been swindled many times in a similar fashion like many feel on this thread.It seems like these investors including myself in other instances get negligent and don't read between the lines.Especially after trust and a relationship have been established, we become gullible and don't second guess or question.Maybe it's greed for some but in my instance it wasn't.Just innocent and trusting stupidity (No, I'm never a victim as that is ******** mentality in my book).I had some spare $$$ and wanted to diversify in other assets through folks I considered friends and trustworthy business partners.Didn't even think twice to look things over.Looking back, it all makes sense now but it's easy being a general after the battle heheI only blame myself here...I mentioned in the thread further above that I lost to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars.Again, it is what it is and it's a lesson.Only myself to blame and have always taken the high road in such instances.As much as I'd like to fight for justice and go down the legal path, it just isn't worth the time and emotion.Upwards and onwards.Become better and make more than you have lost.Each to their own and that's just my personal "modus operandi"

It just didn't seem like it would be worth my time or money. 

The house I will get is in a lower income area, currently worth $95-100k, and she still owes about $25k on it.

Over the years, with personal investment alongside investments from family and friends, I’ve been able to build a small portfolio of apartment buildings with a focus on cash flow through strong operations.

Even the funding alone is easier since you now have a cash flowing property that can help you fund your seed money faster. 

If your a cash basis taxpayer you can’t take the loss until realized.