I will provide some thoughts on the San Diego purchase- virtually all high LTV mls purchases since rates started to hike have negative cash flow at purchase- historically great appreciation- historically great rent growth but recently flattening- prop 13 is great benefit for long holds- laws keep getting less LL friendly.

The end goal is to have a piece of land with multiple houses: one for my growing family but also a home for my mother in law.My mother in law has agreed to foot the money on a new property/land up front and when ready we can buy land from her to build/develop etc. 

I would believe so, but it is always good to check the local laws.

Ordinarily those tenant vacated damages would be too remote, but it sounds like they were contemplated by both parties at the time of contract.Were I in this situation I would be looking to state law to determine if the EMD is truly the extent of my potential liability as a buyer. 

If SF can be turned around, I think it could make a lot of sense if you understand the intricacies and can put up with the tenant/landlord law for the long term.  

There are a couple of unique tax laws to real estate investors - 1031 exchange, bonus depreciation on certain improvements, Qualified Opportunity Zones, real estate professional status, etc.Make sure that the accountant you interview to understand the above concepts.best of luck!

Quote from @Joseph Gozlan: No, California laws kill California malls...Here in the Dallas metro, retail is thriving!

Duplex can always add additional units via the ADU laws. 8) Related to number 1, purchasing a property with an existing ADU is cheaper than buying a property and adding an ADU.

However, the law remains in effect, and the Department of Justice has appealed the decision, adding further uncertainty.Key Considerations for Businesses:1.

As for Alexandria specifically in terms of regulations don't take advice from a public forum - look up the laws yourself and make sure you understand them.