Yes, Silicon Valley has been perpetually 'Hot', due to the high tech jobs and life style in the area. 

This is crucial in terms of proper investment property management.

Lived in Chicago proper for 20 years and all my life nearby.

I'd rather take a very hard look at my spending and lifestyle than dip into my retirement accounts.

There are lots of great amenities like the Zoo, Botanical Gardens - many of which include free admission for residents because of historic endowments, Forest Park is larger than Central Park, and there are so many other beautiful historic parks (Tower Grove Park, Benton Park, Lafayette Park) and a variety of unique neighborhoods that offer different lifestyle and investment choices.  

Vet property management properly and call every company you can. 

All of that will have to be recorded and executed properly so there is no commingling of funds, which is one of the surest ways to pierce an LLC.

I am getting hard money to buy it and plan on then refi-ing in 6 months, how do I use the calculator properly to reflect the hard money and then the refi to analyze the deal?

I've seen first hand more than enough times couples breaking up and having to move, so I think your Girlfriend is smart to want to have the formalities in place.Since you are just starting out you might want to consider purchasing right now just as is, then having your attorney walk you through the proper way to take title of the property and form the partnership as soon as you close. 

The courts and advocacy groups would have gotten them a restraining order asap with proper evidence.