I am pretty sure op means .5%How about some blue chip dividend payers, via a fund, or muni bond fund?

Before long, I'm willing to bet that a bunch of those houses you're being outbid on are going to be back on the market, half finished, because somebody watched a Chip and JoJo marathon and went out and wrote a check.Just my two cents worth. 

But that is where I would start.. then from there trying to find a second in this scenario is probably a waste of time and another partner same thing whats in it for them.. so either you guys all chip in with cash or you go hat in hand to senior lender and work a deal.

( If utilities get very high due to studio use I have asked studio apartment to chip in to help w/ front house a couple times)

I've read a lot over the last couple of months, but it's not like the Stock Market where I can sign up on Etrade and buy a blue chip to get my feet wet.

That being said you have credit or a better bargaining chip on your next purchase with holding this unit.

I'm talking things as simple as chipped or flaking paint, electrical wiring that's not properly covered, etc., not to mention that VA still requires termite clearance (though to your second paragraph, the seller does not have to pay for the work anymore, that's a common misbelief.)Purchasing a property with a purchase agreement and going through escrow in Southern California can be a more complex process than you can imagine, which is why people like me spend years studying it all.

The adults will probably be low touch, as long as it doesn't become a post-frat-house affair, and in the marina you need to watch out for that ;)As for keeping several properties in SF as rentals, look you have blue chip assets.

On that particular show Chip is both a Realtor and a GC.As far as a cash buyer - perhaps a contract with a hefty earnest money and a very long inspection clause date which protects them by allowing them to back out along the way if they don't like how it is going.

I want to chip away at it one unit at a time.