We have been trying to look at the Reno market but I apparently have amental block on actually diving in.

I have seen "light root growth" turn into completely blocked with roots very quickly. 

It can be a negative factor if there's increased traffic/noise or if it blocks off a view. 

The Neighborhood is extremely important and so is the specific block.

He is now out of the hospital and wanting to return to the property due to it being only about 3 blocks from the medical district where he has his doctors and does his breathing treatments.I can request proof of his admittance and wife's admittance if need be but I believe what he is saying is legit. 

Maybe look around and see what "stumbling block" others are having and create a solution for that.  

So when using commercial loans on multi-family properties we always run into the same block - where do we get our downpayment from? 

Oakland will vary block by block and CA has very pro-tenant laws.

Even on the east side things can be very block by block.

I have the sense that I have a lot of good building blocks to work with, and I have some strategies I'm considering (like build and hold), but I would love the thoughts of the community.