Hello everyone,I'm a teacher by trade and small time investor in San Francisco. I've been looking for my next deal in the bay area, and while there have been some that might meet the 1% rule at best, I can't get my mi...

You'd also be competing with other seemingly "irrational" buyers who also intend to owner occupy.

Since people are irrational on both ends on the spectrum, is there any way to time when you buy a house and when it will be sold?  

@Seth Mosley In my experience, John T Reed's article is very close to reality. 45-55% is a good rough estimate of expenses + capital expenditures.As you talk to experienced investors - those that have concluded the irrationally exuberant period that seems to affect every SFR investor at the beginning (me included) - you will find that their true cash on cash returns are a lot lower than anyone cares to admit.A few months ago I replaced an HVAC system ($4500) in one rental and ductwork ($3500) in another.

Some things can work - aggressive, disciplined, low-margin and data-driven wholesaling, for example - things that are more insulated from today's (irrational?)

Not sure why but some people have an almost irrational fear of tenants (perhaps from past experience, etc)..

--perhaps this is just an irrational fear.Every time I've asked the tenant to pay he has told me that he is seeing a lawyer for the mold and a dr so he doesn't feel he needs to payI know this is real common in S Florida so if anyone else has experienced this please chime in

I think what holds me back on multi-family is fear of the unknown, maybe fear that this investment is going to take up all my time (I've enjoyed watching my ten month old daughter grow up since day 1 since I work from home), but I know it's an irrational fear and I just need to go out and do it!  

Most of what you have here are irrational ideas based on an improper understanding of a whole bunch of stuff.  

If the "animal spirits" /"irrational exuberance" are in peoples' actions, how much does it matter if these same are on their tongues?