While I agree the market in CA is high for buy and hold investors,  there are still deals to be had if you are willing to work a little bit and uncover off market deals. 

It was a simple duplex that was much less size then I wanted but it was so nice not having to worry about cash flow as I was getting familiar the process.

The luxury condos and apartments are good for our value and rents (I own/ manage a 4-plex on 3rd st just behind Rio Salado Pkwy) My 1 bedrooms rent for $775 a unit fully remodeled granite, SS appliance, laminate but this is with shared laundry and uncovered parking 600 sq/ft. 

Anytime you start doing major repairs (replacing a whole roof) you run the risk of uncovering other damage or deterioration that must be addressed per code. 

I'd love to work with a referral from the forums so I can get an independent opinion from an inspector who doesn't have an existing relationship with my providers.The more aggressive about uncovering potential issues, the better.

It all plays out so nicely in my head, but we'll see what happens.

Not sure on who legally owns this... as it seems no inspection uncovered it when purchasing.

(I am certain that the appraisal will be higher than this asking price).On counter offer #2, the buyer has offered $102,000 with a contingency to have the pool uncovered for inspection.The pool is inground with a liner that is over 10 years old.

In other words, uncovering an opportunity in the form of a property address does not represent much added value than that.

Cincinnati is kind of a strange area, as most pockets of nice areas are sorrounded by not so nice areas especially in the city!