The Bay Area seems to be too frothy (and expensive) of a market for a pair of newbies to play effectively.. though I'm certainly open to ideas and insight.

Another pair of clients is making their purchases in an area with good school systems because their kids will be entering school soon and private school near us, is a large budget in itself.

It’s terrific experience- you can pair up with an agent etc.

I really look forward to becoming a successful RE investor and pairing the two together.

@Rebekah D Arnold @Bradley Cordell I would second what @J Benoit said regarding the lack of cash flow in these and other A neighborhoods.

Currently negotiating a deal for a pair of duplexes, offer will be 300k for both.  

I have a slight suspicion those are not real names, and this pair did not get rich from creative RE as they claim, but rather from selling books, seminars and grossly overpriced mentorships."

For repairs like roofing, siding, decks, etc expect that they will want more $ upfront because of materials which would be different than repairs that are more labor intensive and can be paired against rough/final inspection milestones.2.

It was a single story with a slab, pairing that with my construction background I deemed the largest risk was my ability to sell it it when I was done, well that and I had very little money.

I find the most success when pairing my direct marketing with events and/or gifts.