Now that I'm in the bay and that I will possibly be employed in the San Jose/Mountain View area, I was wondering what other people have done to get their foot in the real estate investing market here.

@Brian Foote The BP calculator makes the deal look worse than it actually is.

Let me see if I can formulate my question -- this is for anybody here that has had any experience with custom home builders that knock down old, small, 1950-era houses and put up 3,500 - 4,000 square foot mini-mansions that go for $800-$900K.I got a seller that has asked me to come look at their house down around 610 in the Heights. 

This will give you a price per square foot.

“House - hacking” is what everyone says hat they’d do first if they could start over again, so ... you’re onto something - but there’s no short cuts - one foot in front of the other - study up and best of luck.

@Mads VelandIt is very possible to purchase real estate in the US with out setting foot here.

I own an 1,800 sq foot townhome.

We have 46 properties across 7 states and the rent per square foot is very dependent on the market. 

Lindsay Wyatt if you want my turnkey spreadsheet with foot notes.

I mean I am an accidential builder.. having foreclosed on builders in the crash and having to finish the projects... so I have some very special education you only get when it happens to you and you have to figure it out.. was not pleasant. and it cost million or so.. but I got out.. and then I realized Hey since as the lender I am taking all the risk I mine as well just do this myself.so here we are about 150 plus new builds later and things are pretty good.Now to be fair my rock star in Charleston build a home last year then calls me and says OOPS house is 1 foot to low we have to raise it.. that's a brand new 700k home that has to be raised a foot.. cost 30k..