Just did a quick search and there are some interesting 4plex opportunities in mountain view but far fewer duplexes. 

@Dale Miller you are right to be cautious..........some parts of the country are getting dangerous to invest in.

But it's a dangerous game, especially if you're not experienced.

Prop 21 gives cities and counties the ability to include single-family homes in rent control except in cases where the owner is a natural person who owns two or fewer homes.2.

Katja,A blanket statement like "Ohio is a great/bad place to invest" is dangerous as there are good and bad deals in every state, city and neighborhood. 

The substantial upswing in demand is driven by a need for indoor and outdoor space met by record lo w mortgage rates and a wave of millennials who were on the verge of buying — all competing for fewer and fewer homes on the market.

Phasing things out will extend the project and likely lower your IRR, but it also makes it easier to do in chunks potentially with fewer equity investors such that your stake could possibly be higher.  

I took a motorcycle riding class and got licensed although I never wanted to own a motorcycle, theyre dangerous, LOL)You both gave me the idea of partnerships. 

Assuming you have another loan on this property, and that this first position lender allows it (some will, some won’t), the attorney will explain the dangers of lending in second position.A knowledgeable attorney will also explain the applicable law in your state (AZ?)

I've heard one lawyer talk about this strategy and it sounds like most syndicators are still in danger of violations.