However, due to very, very high cost of living in Silicon Valley, and difficulty buying a reasonably sized home, and given I will remain in Bay Area long term most likely (family all here), also need a property appreciation strategy to some extent, too.

That's the point of BP is to come to a place and learn from more experienced investors than myself. 

Again, several experienced attorneys have agreed with my analysis.

TIA for any guidance and considerations.  1)  I'm having difficulty finding a HELOC amortization calculator. 

Most “Gurus”, authors, advisors and experienced real estate investors preach obtaining seller “carry back” financing for property buyers in order to (1) obtain financing when they don’t qualify for a 3rd party loan (2) obtain financing when the property doesn’t qualify for financing and or (3) extend the “buying power” of their capital contribution (down payment) to purchase a larger more expensive property by having the seller provide a subordinated mortgage loan.That’s all and good, but why should the seller agree to finance the purchase of his property, instead of getting CASH for his equity?

“Because the $20,000 took so much away from their equity to put into another home, they decided not to sell,” she said.Another client of Chaname had difficulty selling his home because would-be buyers balked at paying $16,000 more for a home with HERO-financed air conditioning, duct work, water heater and insulation when similar homes were selling for less.The buyers argued they were paying for the improvements twice – through the higher valuation on the house and assumption of the loan.

Whether you're an experienced investor or just starting, having a reliable and efficient property manager can make all the difference in the success of your rental properties.Here are a few key traits I've found important, but I'd love to hear your insights and experiences:- Communication Skills- Organizational Abilities- Knowledge of the Local Market.- Problem-Solving Skills- Proactive Maintenance- Financial ManagementWhat other qualities do you think are essential for a property manager?

Responsive, knowledgeable, ownership, urgency, competency - things I haven't experienced with Home365 at any level.

@Cosette Trantow Sounds like you are getting some good info from some experienced people.

The part about common sense going out the window when taxes are really high I have experienced first hand and in my prior career in tech personally did.