Short-term rentals can be a great starting point, especially in markets with high tourism or business travel.

@Pixel Rogue The cash out proceeds should be for business purposes such as investing in another RE project. 

From what Ive read, it looks like I may have to get a business certificate to do this in SF but Im not sure what that entails or what else is involved?

Just wanted to avoid mixing family and business  

Ive never used a call to action or asked for business here.

I was raised in the land business and sold land exclusively for many years.

As investors (buying a home to live in or to house a business we own is DIFFERENT), 90% of sellers will NOT (at least at the present time) accept an offer that makes sense for the investor.  

He had a tech job and we talked the business and he was legit and when meeting the family, they were very respectful. 

I have managed STRs for 10 years in Los Angeles, so I understand the business and operations.

We live in California at the moment and I have W2 job and my wife a small online business.