that doesn't seem ideal - i think people should build up a track record before borrowing private money and putting it at risk.  

I would first separate out the original purchase price between building and land.

I'm building my systems.

It never occurred to me that I’d have to make the drive to this building for 2 months.

Marin is a phenomenal place to build equity, and eventually use that equity to create cash flow. 

But it’s clear you’re a smart investor who knows the long-term benefits real estate can bring.I keep reminding myself why I stick with real estate: you can make money every month in four different ways:Cash Flow – Passive income to live on.Appreciation – Long-term property value growth.Depreciation – Tax benefits that reduce your taxable income.Tenants Paying Down the Mortgage – Even if you’re paid off now, this is one of the biggest wealth-building tools for leveraged properties.It sounds like your main struggle is the stress of active management—and trust me, you’re not alone.

Based upon the cost seg studies of my clients, a building will typically yield 25-30% of the total cost that can be segregated into personal property and land improvements.

Fair enough, I have partial ownership of a commercial (apartment) building in the Bay Area and I would estimate it as a Class A- to maybe Class B - great location, great tenants, nice amenities (not high end like gym, new pool, community room with big screen TVs, etc), high rents, but building is older (built in 1950s).One investor I saw post that they look at where Starbucks and Costcos are opening and possibly factor that into looking at different markets.

The key is building systems and finding solid property management to handle things while you move around.

I am looking to network and build a strong business relationship with a local real estate agent.