I also have expensive taste in cars, like you.  

@Caleb Rigbythe original chimney was actually quite nice was there a specific reason (other than personal taste) for changing it?

I experienced my first taste of true freedom last week in Puerto Rico with two of my employees and their wives for a week.

What I really want to avoid is making a bad first investment that leaves a bad impression or taste on me and push me away into something else.

Be careful with that strategy, I know you can get out if you don't get financing, but it leaves a bad taste to future sellers

Too many issues for my taste.

New fireplace.Just needs taping, trim, cabinets and flooring to taste. 

Since Bay Area property values are a little too hot for my taste I take a cheap flight from SF to Chicago once a month and invest in cheap properties.

They chose a tasteful paint but they only painted half the apartment (all rooms minus bedrooms) and have "too been busy with work" to complete.

If you go into a property with this, you will be making a move that will be over extending yourself and I would try to stay away from that because if that is the only money you have, that move with the money will stress you out and maybe even put a bad taste in your mouth to never invest again!