@Harry Gamble that's true.

As for repurposing the space, I think it can be done with the right plan and investors, but it is a huge gamble to take. 

Not familiar with the area, but I would probably gamble with not getting Earthquake insurance.

Calling the city is a bit of a gamble, but one you should take.

There must be a much larger amount of people who take the gamble and fail that we don't hear about than I thought.

Lastly, everything is more expensive than you think, and as I understand it, it is more challenging to be a landlord in California.If you are betting on appreciation in the future, that might work, but it is a gamble.

Work your *** off from there and by your early 30's you'll be bringing in more money than you know what to do with, and can decide if you want to sit around drinking appletinis on the beach or just move into a career that really ignites your passion but maybe doesn't pay as well. 

You could also rent it out and eat the cost of the extra mortgage until the equity rises but at that point you are gambling.

Doesn't look like the meetups are still happening, anyone interested in re-igniting things? 

BiggerPockets, in large part, has ignited in me a passion for real estate investing I didn't even know I had.