We are profitable and successful, but want to move into this full time and a higher level.  I

Oakland seems less risky, but the amount of development needed is huge-both on a macro and micro level. I

At a high level I will use that to screen a deal but in general I'd look at the major expenses that need to be repaired in the next 5 years and expense that over 60 months to get a more accurate capex.  

I don't know the other markets in the other parts of the OC on any level. I

That's a good question because in my experience, for appraisal purposes, I was informed the below grade level is not counted in the square footage and the rooms are not added to the room counts; however, the appraisor will count it as a finished basement. 

I would run the numbers at various levels and see where your comfort level is.

upper level is for them and lower level is rental about 1200 a month townhouse is for about 600,000. they plan on putting every dollar of the money from rental all to the house and mortgagemy issue is this. they asked me to get involved, if I put down 15000 how can i benefit from this?

"Yes, I've shared your experience on a personal and professional level. I

That also means amount S8 pays can change up or down - I've had tenants go to nearly nothing, lose job and be back at full rent paid for them - the danger at this level is that they have to keep up their utilities, too, with no income, so again, you have to keep an eye on the property, esp in winter.There may be a question as to whether S8 will pay what you want, as well - they call other landlords with similar properties in your area and look at other units in a multi, to see if what you are setting is truly market rent (if below S8 max, you can't just charge S8 max, only "market") and some people in this position think they can badger you into a low amount, since at this point in the process, you've been inspected, approved, etc, and are often a few weeks with the unit off the market and no rent coming in yet.

I'm currently at masters level. I