@Karl Kauper If you want to keep it local here are a few options for you in the $200k price range (If you could provide more details on what you're looking for the answers may change a bit)Trenton/Camden NJ- There seems to be a lot of opportunity there but the real $ will come when the areas are further into the revitalization processNewburgh NY- Theres a lot of speculation on when Newburgh will actually "Happen" and become the next (insert up and coming city here) but I have a friend up there that invested about the same amount that you are contemplating and he appears to be doing wellPhiladelphia (Philadelphia outskirts)- Heres another area where people are doing well with a similar budget taxes and laws are very investor friendly as well.If you are looking to use $200k as a downpayment to buy something larger in hope of reaching scale faster then the conversation looks different, Lastly be creative with the budget and explore other options short term rentals and single families are just a few often over looked ways to build your portfolio and to start to collect cashflow

I'm also in the Bay Area and am actually contemplating doing something similar for my first investment.

I've been contemplating flipping but know eventually buy/hold is where it will be at for me.  

I am looking to occupy the ADU (this is a contemplated house hack).  

Because of that, I've been contemplating becoming an agent myself since I would also like to get involved in wholesaling and flipping.

I had contemplated that paying the small fee for the professional help may be worth it. 

 Mike, Yes I contemplated that as well.

I’m contemplating putting an offer on my first multifamily (2 fam) and I need some guidance on the deal.

However, not I am contemplating on using my W2 income to either focus more on my mortgage in order to build more equity.

Im sure I could rip the old one out myself and save a good chunk of that which I am contemplating... but how do you go about making an offer on the home?