I agree that the market is very competitive in California - especially if you are searching via the MLS or making offers to distressed or vacant property homeowners. 

Southwestern Michigan offers plenty of charm and is a destination place but would definitely make sure your ROI makes sense based on your long- and short-term goals with the property.

Spring may be better but I was unable to sell a cheap house in October for 5% off of “market value” and only sold a $600k home in January by listing it for $580k and I still only got one offer. ($150k down, 5 year seller financing.) my point being you may get $20-$40k more in a year if you don’t need to sell. 

This would be a joint venture with me offering to just provide a percentage of profits and equity in the property in return.  

If they need access to the property immediately, you can offer to leave to them until you are ready to close. 

If your cleaner doesn't offer this service, find one who does.

I'm looking forward to the event and the valuable insights it will offer.

We suspect she is taking in laundry as a side job.

As when people lose their jobs, the vacations they take is the first choice to cut back on. 

The deal attracted multiple offers, and we initially got outbid.