I’m aware California is not the best market, with the restrictions and potential new tax coming up, etc, but we have personal reasons to invest there.With that said, we visited a lot of houses in the San Diego area and saw 2 that seem like a potential fit for us: one is a smaller 3 bedroom but a mile from the beach and the other is a 15-17min drive to the beach, but bigger with 4 bedroom and a little cheaper, which would allow us some cushion to invest on a hot tub or potential pool.

The host has to decide what their unfair advantage in the market is going to be (location, pool, hot tub, amazing view, high-speed network, great for families, close to everything, themed house, etc) and market to that.Mike

The bugs can find areas that are not hot and survive. 

Thats not surprising since there is no electricity or hot water.

If you're worried about a tenant putting a hot pot on the counter, stone is better because it is naturally heat-resistant.

Especially in hot neighborhoods.

I think a catchy slogan could draw attention (like the Billboard "YOUR WIFE IS HOT [fix your AC]"  stays in peoples mind.So try to differentiate yourself by being catchy, witty or funny, while still getting your message across and of course a good number to reach you.I hope that helps. 

I have never bought a house, but would rather have to figure out hot to create enough to afford it because then I will appreciate it, whereas I have seen people that are given a "leg up" and then they proceed to go and trash all that they were given.

@Alex OlsonIf you told me ten years ago KC would be hot, I would have thought you were nuts!!

The problem I see is the masses have not understood the advantage of purchasing a duplex.As far a Lennar is considered an entry level builder, I don't see that their neighborhoods in general have very good price appreciation, unless they are in a unique area where the location is exceptional.I think that prices are falling, and that you should be able to find a deal, the I-35 Corridor from  San Antonio to Austin is a very hot area.Here is an example of a property that was listed for $342,000, and the list price is down to $300,000, with a price drop of $20,000 on 7/29. 1261 Stone Rim Loop, Buda, Texas 78610, If you need any comps or info, just let me know, I'm a licensed Broker in Texas, and I have MLS access across the state.Also, I'm not sure if you know, but you can split your 1031 exchange and purchase multiple properties instead of just 1 property.