I quit my job and went back to school to study business with a focus in finance.

I had a career in Finance that covered our living expenses, so we didn't have to use any real estate income to live off of.

When you say you are working for a CRE company in finance that specifically means you are doing what? 

Abraham,Appreciate your input, I'm currently doing more market research, and it looks like Stockton might actually lead job-growth in CA this year. (1)I'm still new to the game, and use cap rate  w / debt service, because comparing COCR is sensitive to the DownPayment / financing, whereas CAP / w debt is much less so, even though it breaks the definition.Is there a better metric, or maybe the mechanics of its use is still not 100% for me, would appreciate any feedback.With some of these COCR returns, you could break even in 3 years, granting an infinity return after that. 

Even though there is plenty of housing (my husband rented an apartment that was in a mostly empty complex while we were house hunting), the area on Oak Street before Broad is turning into "luxury" apartments with rooftop pools!

It's in fine shape but outdated and not fully renovated or modernized.You step in and offer to rehab the house.

You should shout this from the rooftops.

They say they can ask you for 3 years for what you spent money in.  Fine

And although I earned a Masters in Finance from a “top 10” business school, Jimmy Napier opened my eyes to practical applications I never thought existed.

I have a partner who just installed the largest solar roof top installation in Boston.