I work part-time for a real estate company (Nomadic Real Estate) as a leasing agent and I just passed my VA salesperson exam so I hope to sell real estate in Virginia within the next couple of weeks.Within the next 4 years, I would like to generate enough passive income so that I can save for my future family.The ultimate goal is to generate enough money to be able to start and sustain a social entrepreneurship business to help schools in West Africa.On Bigger Pockets, it would be great if I could network with like-minded individuals.Francis

Most people (myself included) can't afford to live here at current price points and I can't imagine how that is sustainable long term.

Make sure you have enough resources to create a sustained campaign.

- What are you doing differently (or the same) now to ensure your current portfolio is sustainable?

Options include driving for dollars, absentee, probate, using listsource if you are not in a competitive market, buying lists that are exclusive for your market type  3) Start a sustained direct mail campaign.

We have recently seen an influx of investors from out of town, which shows me that the 3-4% cap rates, with negative cash flow, in the bigger markets of California aren't going to be very sustainable.  

I only ask as anyone bank, lending institution, private lender etc... would like to see that you are aware of what it takes to operate and sustain the business as you will be "owner occupant".  

So, all of this to say that though nothing in life or investments are guaranteed, there are some companies out there with stellar track records and means by which these things can be analyzed to make for a fairly safe bet, at least in so much as a sustainable dividend payout goes.

My question is, How sustainable is this run up in prices locally? 

and how does your company sustain overtime with these "lifetime" warranty as if the customer experience any problems with foundation, you will be called and you will have to provide the support.