I have a particular interest in small project types (single/dual-family residential, boutique retail, etc).

When I first started I immediately signed up with a small boutique that offered 0 training but 100% commission.  

I actually think the long term appreciation is better with my existing properties, which are boutique buildings in very desireable San Francisco neighborhoods.

Small, boutique service.  

Most traditional 401k and IRA providers place restrictions in their documents that only allow the accountholder to invest in funds that the provider sells (think stocks, bonds and the like with a brokerage house).On the self-directed side, boutique firms create documents without such restrictions so that the IRA or 401k actually allows the accountholder or participant to invest into all or most of what the law allows for, including real estate.

I spoke with several boutique brokerages and agents in town, and it seems KW works well in the suburban markets and rocking Texas but not very strong in SF proper.

The big chain brokerages have a compelling pitch, with big promises and lots of agents drink the "kool aid".I know agents who work for boutique firms, 100% comission companies or who own their own small brokerages that are every bit as successful as agents working for a big chain.

This was only about a mile up the street from a very historic artsy and 'boutique' block called Larchmere Blvd.

Thank you all for the hellos...Mindy, I have gone thru so many scenarios -- I have tried the largest PM agency, trued boutique, tried self managing and am now back to the original large PM - I was thinking maybe it was tenant selection but have found the PMs to be very incompetent, but attribute the turnover to possibly the location.. it's on a somewhat busy street, and there is a bus stop close by.  

We have homeowners insurance that covers personal injury on all our properties including our primary residence and our own personal vacation home.As far as Oceanside, CA is concerned they are welcoming VR's with open arms as they have been undergone extreme gentrification for the past 20 years and are now in the throes of building and billing Oceanside as a "destination tourist and vacation & resort community" what with all the hotels, timeshares and myriad condo, townhouse, row houses (which is what we currently own and VRBO and Air B&B's along with the great surfing, beautiful and accessible sandy beaches, hiking, biking, walking trails, wonderful eateries, boutiques, shops, etc.