I usually apply a bead of 100% silicon on the fiberglass flange prior to installing the cement board over the flange. 

Sacramento has gone way up in the past few years as people escape the bay area and having Fresno less than an hour away from the Silicon Valley via HSR could make that a great spot in a few years.So - buying on that speculation at some certain time in the future seems like it could be good.  

Silicone holds the counter and sink in place.

But all those low paying jobs are fairly easy to replace (much easier than a high paying tech job which is centered in the Silicon Valley).Many will rent too... which is why I say it's a good investment for appreciation AND cash flow.

But Silicon Valley has a massive homelessness and affordability crisis.

Even in Silicon Valley a hundred miles can make all the difference in the world. 

I prefer a polyseamseal over silicone.

There are universities, community colleges, medical centers, research of all types, manufacturing, cultural events, recreation, amusements, and is considered the Silicon Valley of southern California.

Had one tenant use silicone to hold a broken door together.

I started by investing in a house in San Jose CA when I worked in Silicon Valley.The people you refer to as the big players are sometimes just folks who talk a good game.