We have many friends that live in the E Bay (OAK and Alameda), work in SF and totally love it so I'd also recommend considering that.

I am focusing on the Metro Detroit area (Westland, Southfield, Livonia, Oak Park, Warren etc.):- Plumbers- Electricians- Carpenters- CPA- Real Estate Attorney- Handyman- Appliance repair person- Property Managers- Home cleaning companies (To clean property when tenants leave)

We are having a really hard time getting a conventional mortgage though because we are self employed and started our company (Chip Cookies if any of ya'll have heard of it) only a year and a half ago (everyone seems to require 2 years of tax returns for self-employment).

Nationwide:  Angel Oak and Lima One,,, many other asset based 30 yr lenders.One of the issues scaling up has is deal flow. 

Hi,I currently own a one bedroom condo in the Piedmont Area of Oakland. It's in a high rise located on top of a hill with really nice views over Downtown and the bay.I am moving to Las Vegas at the end of next week an...

I hope you and your buddy have been chipping away at that flip, best of luck. 

I've used an independent contractor for years at two personal residences in Sherman Oaks who is reasonable on cost and does a great job.

the Clear lake lots were in towns called Nice Lucerne Clearlake Oaks and Clearlake. you can find them on maps today.. and you will see roads going up into the hills above town that are just dirt or not even present just mapped..

I'll be helping them as much as I can and if you chip in too, that would be outstanding!

That said, so long as there is not paint chipping off the walls or broken / exposed Sheetrock, there shouldn’t be any issue.You are required to provide your tenants with documentation regarding warnings for mold and lead paint when they move into the unit.