Specifically, what research results told you these were two good cities to invest in?  I

Once Dave chimes in I think you'll have a better perspective on what that could be...

The way I countered this (still not as good as buying a note with idle cash but I have checkbook control) is the money paid out from a note fund I invested in is at Axos bank.

I own a single family home in Socal that my wife and i currently living in. I

In one of my markets I invest in I could buy a house cash for $200,000.

You may have to search a bit for the right contractor or engineer - sometimes I see one solution dominating in an area - "that is how we always do it"  Thanks for the input - yes, it sounds like the specific area this house is in is particularly bad for foundation issues.  

It's reassuring to hear it's not a rare nightmare scenario I'm in. I

I have owned 3 homes in the past that I lived in. I

The house, in the condition it is in, is currently appraising at about 350k.

We are really clueless, but at least we jumped in.  I