If you’re set on a duplex with minimal rehab, an investor focused agent should have a strong network of contractors who can give you quick quotes, so you don’t wind up with any pricey surprises.

If you’re open to exploring outside the Bay Area, markets like Milwaukee, Chicago, and parts of Indiana offer strong potential for flips and rentals.

If they reject the concession and the replacement costs eat too much into your margins, it might be smarter to walk away unless the property has other strong advantages.I’d also weigh the long-term costs.

By year 5 we had around 55 people.We did hire a marketing person but frankly marketing wasn't our strong suit. 

If a person has to ask, at all, I STRONGLY advise to use a PM service for tenant placement. 

These markets offer a great mix of affordability, strong rental demand, and steady appreciation.

If the place is vacant, you are still taking that money out of your own pocket.I don't disagree with having a strong cash position; most of my properties are f&c.

Quote from @Drago Stanimirovic: Hi Paul,You're in a strong position with your portfolio, and both strategies have their advantages.

A more viable approach could be a straight 75% cash-out refinance—but only if you’ve invested in a city with strong, sustained population growth.

It explains the team that you should develop to have a strong foundation under you while investing remotely.https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/core-four-real-estate-team