However it's been made abundantly clear to me recently that it's clearly a problem and that those with "non-American" or minority-sounding names do live in a very different world from you and I.

Although it feels like there is an abundance of hard money out there, when you go deeper into the details it is pretty hard to find someone with terms that makes sense in this tight-margins market. any body specific you can recommend?

My main interest would be networking, but if the groups are filled with an abundance of vultures, I'll pass.  

Employment is in abundance, home prices are up and the weather...

I wanted to build something up that was my own and that would continue to provide an abundant life for my family forever.

I have been working on an abundant mindset for years, it’s hard dedicated work but possible. 

Thanks for the input Patrick, The thing I would say to you is to approach things from a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity.  

I would credit college to my pivotal moment when I didn't want to be a slave to a 9-5 or the traditional route. in my abundance of free time at college I discovered bigger pockets and real estate.

Personally I would advise against single room rents unless there is an over abundance of individuals looking for single rooms.

A general overview, personal anecdotes and experiences, or even a simple "go here and read this" is greatly appreciated.I understand that the overall Bay Area market is highly competitive with an abundance of all cash offers driving prices higher than "normal."