The repair was extensive and costly, requiring excavation (about 3x6 feet) to replace the broken section and clean up the mess.

You have to come to the table (a future deal) with funds to get the ball rolling.

Here's an example of the landlord laws I'm referring to ("Justice for Renters Act"  - this is coming up on CA's November ballot). 

Bit of a long story, but my partner and I are trying to purchase a property from a family friend of mine and we're having trouble locating the last seller.

Either one of these people - the buyer, or the seller, can screw you, intentionally or unintentionally in years to come. 

We have the highest Realtor count per capita is the U.S.

It’s hard to really get good at it without doing a lot of deals because the licensing course doesn’t teach you much about actually being an agent, that comes from doing lots of deals and learning by doing it every day.

And due diligence is key with good tips from @Mike G.

The shorter the prepayment term has an impact on increasing the rate.4.

But, the self-sufficiency test for FHA loans can be really difficult in SF, meaning that the market rent from units you will not occupy must be sufficient to pay for the mortgage payment.