-there is tremendous demand for inventory among both primary buyers and investors. 

So that's a plus for buyers.

The market does pick up in the spring, due to seasonality, but the 10yr yield will be more indicative of buyer interest.

Quote from @Kyle Carter: What about if I already have a rental, not with the home buyers program.

The real estate market has shifted dramatically in recent years rising interest rates, evolving buyer and seller expectations, and fluctuating property values are keeping all of us on our toes.

@Jerry Shen I apologize if this is a repeat of info or if it constitutes an "application" that you don't trust, but your thread prompted me to locate Propy.com, whose website says "Propy allows buyers, sellers, brokers, and escrow/title agents/notaries to come together through the utilization of a suite of smart contracts on blockchain to facilitate transactions." 

Note: We do 50+ investment property loans a month and the most important thing I tell BUYERS of properties being sold as or soon to be STR is make sure you are paying the market price per square foot and do NOT buy based on income approach/CAP rate.

I've been reading more about subject to and here's what I've learned:-Good for sellers who are off market-Have low to no equity-Have a mortgage with a low interest rate (less than 5%)-Be absentee or out of state (vacant property, or have a tenant)The buyer would then take over the mortgage payments, and have the seller sign the deed over to the buyer.

I’ve worked with several first-time investors, including out-of-state buyers like yourself, and it’s 100% possible to build a successful short-term rental (STR) business even when you’re managing remotely.

The Hilltop Mall (standard shopping mall, Macys, JC Penny, escalators, if you were alive in the 90s you know),  in Richmond CA was purchased in 2021, but the buyers aren't doing any of our brilliant peanut gallery suggestions.