Blind faith, and keep chipping away. 

I don't think you will see too much increase in value/appreciation over time with that type of asset.As a general rule, I don't invest in Spartanburg as there are not too many blue chip companies there and I don't really see much development/population growth.

These were laminate countertops so you have to make sure to use a laminate jigsaw blade or else your laminate is going to chip off with each stroke of the saw.

The combination of cash flow, appreciation, house paydown equity, and depreciation makes it pretty hard to go below 15%, even with a yearly appreciation of 1 or 2%.Re house hacking a duplex, I never really thought about that, but in the area I'd want to live (studio city/Sherman oaks), I think a duplex would run at least $1.4mm.

I will be at Oak Park Brewing in North Oak Park on Saturday March 24th at 3 pm.

The locations I am considering, in order of preference: Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas.

Out East, I know investors who have had great experiences with Charter Oak CU, Dime Bank, and Jewett City.

I just don't have that Chip & Joanna gene, so I stick to simpler flips and BRRRR's which you can find just about anywhere in SA. 3.

Too much risk in the HOA and building issues that are surprise costs.Non-FANNIE, non W-2 lenders that do 30 yr asset based loans:   lima One,  Angel Oak, Finance of america. 

I go to several groups here in Oak Park, Berwyn and Chicago for precisely this reason.