We are thinking about an initial 10k sq ft project in Middle Tennessee but are willing to travel a bit if the market is right (Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi). 

I know that Sandpiper and Pelican at Destin West might be harder to do with VA because of how their covenants were structured by the initial builder.

The total investment is $300,000, funded by cash and a HELOC (current balance $156,000, monthly payment $1200).My initial plan was to sell the property for $350,000, making a $20,000 profit after closing costs. 

I have already got paid by the insurance .now it comes to signing the contract with this restoration company ( the same company that dry the house ) , and their contract was very basic .. it didn’t list in detail of what they were going to do  .. for example 1.initial material ___$upfront 2.drywall / paint  _____ $upon completion 3.Cabinet completion _____ $upon completion 4.Flooring _____ $ upon completion 5. 

I had test run and I go back on Tuesday 8-27-24 for initial results.

Quote from @Devin Dorame: @David Colthart Before you invest or buy in The City of Cleveland I would suggest you google "Tenants First Initiative" and become aware of all the extra fees and problems the City of Cleveland gives "Out Of State Investors".

Househacking is very common in Bay Area With the bay area being a very expensive place, how much should I initially save or does that not matter.

Thank you Bryce, Long term rentals was my initial thought so thank you for concurring. 

My initial impression is it wouldn’t be a great market to invest in.

If the seller is offering zero compensation, that property could be out of budget from inception or drastically reduce the seller's potential buying pool as initially it might appear out of the buyer's budget or feasibility if required to compensate their side directly.