I have family who work downtown, but live in Katy.

I'm starting out my investing in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio because I've lived here for three years and I think I understand the market and its drivers, and prices continue to appreciate.I see real estate investing as a way to build a base of passive income to make sure I can take care of my family if their health or the economy fall on hard times. 

A commercial building located down town is about to go on the market for around 650k that I am interested in.

The condo is amazing with a killer view of downtown San Diego and will continue to gain equity IMHO, plus he's positive cashflow on the rental.

I could use my current income in Los Angeles to get the loan until we moved.Are there small multi-family or single families within 30 min of downtown that cost $280,000 or less? 

Louis ParkSE of Downtown... like Seward neighborhood (?)

My answers may change depending on these factors.I will say, from a state legislative perspective, if the price of oil continues to stagnate, or drop, we won't see any sort of downtown for about a year.

This, coupled with the fact that Harrison has poured nearly $200 million into building the infrastructure of its downtown region (not mentioning Red Bull Arena or the aforementioned Path station which leads directly to NYC) you have a strong candidate for appreciation over the next 10 years.  

It all works and a year or two after the 8,000 multi family units downtown/west end that are currently under construction come on line there will be tremendous demand for the single family houses .5-1 mile away. 

I work in downtown and live in North Beach.