While I’ve considered cash-out refinancing or HELOCs, the high rates make these options less appealing.I’m debating between using cash to acquire more SFRs or diversifying into mixed-use retail properties.

I paid about $1,500 for the installation of a high-quality 4-security-camera system, which can be monitored by both the tenants (and you!)

This was a highly successful transaction.

@Ryan Rabbitt Did you end up pulling the trigger? 

Owner ended up settling with the tenant, but then we had to threaten to sue our own client to get them to pay our legal fees.- Owner must sign a Hold Harmless to indemnify us against any potential tenant lawsuits relating to the work their contractor is doing.--- Another lawsuit resulted from owner's contractor taking down basement handrail to get supplies down the steps, then they didn't put it back and tenant fell down the stairs.- We also negotiate a reasonable completion date, depending on the Scope Of Work (SOW). --- Who gets all the phone calls and wastes time calming a tenant down because the owner's contractor doesn't show up as scheduled after they took time off from work or a 3 day job takes 3 weeks?

Here’s why lease options are a game-changer:🔹 Low Risk, High Leverage – Instead of buying a property outright, you lease it with the option to purchase later.

By highlighting properties in high-demand areas like San Ysidro that are ripe for SB-9 developments, you'll attract savvy buyers and investors who are eager for strong returns.

If you spend the entire $300k restoring the property, then here is the end result:- deductible casualty loss of $50k- no current tax- the restored property has $0 basis and cannot be depreciated- when it is later sold, the entire sale price is taxableMechanics and reporting are tricky, and I would not recommend to DIY it, especially since my scenario is over-simplified, and your real scenario is likely to involve more gotchas.Thanks so much. 

High earners should also consider estate planning tools like trusts or Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs) to minimize future tax burdens.Given his income level and tax complexity, consulting a real estate-focused CPA is essential to maximizing deductions and optimizing tax efficiency.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

There are numerous threads about sub to and many investors believe it is a high risk strategy (especially for seller) and believe buyers who use it “take advantage” of naive sellers.