DST's are not optimal for a syndicator to do versus a straight sponsorship where investors are putting non-1031 cash in.For 1031 clients on the commercial end I help them buy directly and make a commission on the sale.  

But it seems fairly evident that the best idea to optimize rate of return (I have yet to crunch numbers on this) is to sell when the market is clearly overvalued and then buy in cheaper neighborhoods when the market is low to capture that appreciation as well as high rents in Oakland in general. 

As mentioned already, check out the Ultimate Beginner's Guide under the "Learn" menu.  

No - we are not interested in buying our current house ... while the home is lovely for us now ... the location isn't optimal.  

What should I ask for and what should I make sure is covered within my insurance policy? I live in CA so don't have any snow/freezing temp issues. First time I have to go through these different processes.

Check out the tool drop down menu at the top of the screen. 

It will only optimize your returns and YOUR pockets can become bigger instead of the BANKS/LENDERS pockets. .

It’s called unjustified optimism due to the lure of a rising market that will net out a positive result.

If you can tell me exactly when the next financial crisis will hit, how much prices will go down, and how long it will last, then I can tell you what the optimal strategy will be.I never invest in rent controlled properties.

However, i'm trying to figure out the optimal list to build for this purpose.