It's easy to let the little things distract you so you dont have to face the bigger, more real, challenges.I recently ran across a series of articles on anxiety and procrastination that helped shed some light on my situation..

A simple fix and flip; clean, landscape the yard (in Arizona that means spread some gravel), a couple new light fixtures, and touch-up paint.  

I realize this a somewhat vague question and I want it to be that way to get as much feedback and light on the topic as possible.

I realize this a somewhat vague question and I want it to be that way to get as much feedback and light on the topic as possible.

Contractor currently charges % on total spent which gives him no motivation to keep bids low or fight for better deals with subs/suppliers.

Rents are very low here.

Essentially, there are three options:Invest in the Bay Area: High prices, low returns.

Account ClosedI did a few years as a Lowes sub.

PLEASE, shed some light on the subject for me

This means I likely won't be buying a killer deal, but I will still be paying a low-ish mortgage.