As a Fremont local, let me toss in a small bit of demographic detail on the "low separation/divorce rate" factor.

Thank you all for the wonderful detailed advice.

I would also have them sign a detailed scope of work that lays out exactly you want in as much detail as possible.

You have to ask yourself exactly how you envision your real estate investing to go; do you want to be apart of every little detail or would you prefer to take updates and write checks and enjoy your life with family and friends or doing the hobbies you love to do?

Without knowing more details about it, I am not sure if that rent would be reasonable or not.

Loopnet is owned by coStar ... it won't give you a detailed report, but you can get an idea of what others are asking for.

@Jimmy Ready The Pro membership of rentometer has a more detail summary of the comps by property type and addresses included. 

I only need to look into each city in greater detail of course. 

I would look at your contract with the contractor to see if there is any clause or details regarding change orders.

It would be nice to share ideas.A few more specifics: - I’m interested in single-family or small multi-family dwellings in A or B zones- The closer to the West Coast the better, but that said, I’d be willing to go all the way to Nova Scotia if that’s where the math works best...ideally I’d like to follow the one percent rule - Random detail: I’m actually a poet looking to support my writing habit through sound investing.