If so are the margins really so wide that its better to endlessly leverage on multiple properties than to invest in a few good deals with a lesser degree of debt and higher equity?

It's the fact that the $100/month is so small compared to the initial investment that there are endless other investments that could generate better returns. 

I am sure however that there is big money chasing this dream so - the idea is to keep your eyes and ears open - to get in on it, where ever possible.The big building I refer to here is already owned by an associate, I guess the ticket here is to secure a lease and then find potential subleases for those who want to grow - like with your situation the area has access to many freeways - Carson Street is being worked on and expanded to bring more commerce to Pittsburgh and the Railroad is expanding to bring a distribution center to this area.So the possibilities are endless here.

My concerns are keeping the home will be an endless money sink in repairs and updates instead of asset, cost more than it makes by preventing access to something like a VA loan on a better property in the future, or overly distract me learning details about the market here that won't help me in SF.The home is 2 bed 1 bath, 1200 square foot, one and a half story SFR with a garage, storage shed, fenced yard, w/d hook ups in the garage. 

The purpose of the forum is to discuss things, not post endless gibberish about a secret that doesn't exist.

I grew up in RHode island then moved to Miami at age 26 ...stayed 15 years then moved to Loa Angeles, which was amazing for the climate and endless things you can do.

Hey there Sean, my two experiences with trying to partner for the profits with a good GC have been challenging, even here in Houston, with endless deals, and lots of REI clubs with networking for GC's...I was very cautious and took my time checking out GC's before settling with one for two deals....he has done 300 deals so quality of work was great with all the people i talked to and some of his work I inspected.....breaking down the numbers to get him to agree to 50% of the profits, and not get paid anything for the rehab is something he has agreed to only on the third deal which we are close to doing....he partners with several others ....but I had to prove myself to him also....I have now found in the last 2 years of getting to this point that there are shady characters on both sides of this equation you are talking about....I have been trying to work with other private investors that have some $$$$ like 100k up to 500 k and want to do deals....but most I have met haven't been willing to bring anything else to the table....and want 50% of the deals....and they can't provide any kind of referals or are willing to do anything else....so I would say that it just takes a lot of give and take to make it work....at least for me being a newbie in REI, but I have construction experience and can fund the deals....

I think you can debate about the ethics endlessly, but the outcome is for the greater good.The other aspect you bring up is pretty obvious.

Another said they don't do consumer loans because the regulations are too onerous.I particularly think the endless disclosures are basically useless.

In addition my 14 year old daughter has attended 2 future fortune builders classes which teaches teenagers all of those things about budgeting, compound interest,  owning a business & endless other aspects that many people go their whole lives not ever being aware of.The $50k education includes 6 members so you can combine your funds with other peoples to save money and learn the same content.