I am going to guess your average appraiser does not understand the value of slate, so they may prefer shingles, but a roof expert that can assess the state of the slate might give a better idea of where it is lifecycle wise.

I’m learning we investors have a life cycle as well.

I had not known that you had started in San Diego, but the full life cycle of your route places you more in line with those that determine the local RE investing is superior after trying the OOS route.I do believe OOS can work, but for most San Diego investors the local route gives them the best chance for success.  

I just happen to also own a business that sources and originates private money loans on behalf of those "truly private lenders" you speak of who prefer to lend out through us for the dealflow, added security, and concierge loan support throughout the loan lifecycle until the principal is paid in full. 

It will take a few weeks to work its way through a complete life cycle, and you will need to be very diligent about denying food sources (food crumbs, pet food, etc.), but it will work and you do not need to vacate the apartment to treat. 

It is the same thing as the Business Cycle or the Life Cycle of a Stock or our Life Cycle.

Also Nashville moved from 14 in 2015 to 13 in 2016, when the life cycle suggests the natural movement should be from left to right only.Just some thoughts from an armchair MBA data analyst :)

Also, one of my favorites is to go on craigslist and look at the for rent by owner, that group may be motivated to sell because they are in the worst part of the life cycle of a property owner, - they own a property that they are not making money on.

I would consider that basic due diligence.Secondly, the life cycle of tax liens vary and is best to complete a full cycle before putting more money in .... unless your a real risk taker and like to double down.

If your strategy is a BRRRRRR (I just hammer on the R it's usually not the right number) than you will want to think through your full "life cycle" of the dollars your putting in.