You've already discovered the podcasts, which are one of the things I typically recommend to newer people.I also often recommend people seek out and attend a local real estate investment group such as Black Diamond REI (blackdiamondrei.com) or RI Real Estate Investors Group (rireig.com).

Acetylene cutting torch... if that fails try a diamond studded concrete saw...  

Yes the Bay Area is a tough market but still definitely possible to find that diamond in the rough.

Once, a $2500 appraised diamond & ruby ring, just recently a diamond & Opal ringFull liquor cabinet19" TV buried screen up in the yard, just below the sod with the cord sticking out (WTF?) 

I've been married for several years and was fortunate enough to not have to make a large investment in an engagement ring (there were family rings at my disposal), but my point is this:Big fancy diamond engagement rings first became popular in the USA in 1939 as a result of a DeBeers marketing campaign and it's time to start a new trend that doesn't involve spending a made up % of annual income on an asset that really provides nothing except for bragging rights.I bet a duplex and a cubic zirconia could go a long way...

"Acres of Diamonds" is a classic story about wanting to look elsewhere when there are diamonds in your own back yard.  

I'd love to learn about single-family & multi-family houses and how to look for the diamond in the rough that could get me a good ROI in hawaii.

As mentioned before, i am not able to rent without a consignor since my credit is to poor and my income is cash based - I buy/sell gold, broker diamonds, and luxury assets. 

A diamond wheel on an angle grinder would also work, with my only reservation being possible ammunition inside.

Not getting a great return but it's still about $300 in my pocket per month after all expenses.My second home I purchased out there was a diamond in the rough that has recently been remodeled.