but if you think it's a good trend that tech companies are saying "we are leaving California" along with many high profile rich people, you're crazy.How about this, because I'm curious:  Why do you think the various sites that tract this stuff (let's use the U-Haul one way data) show CA cities being so highly represented in the top 10 places people are leaving and various red areas as the top 10 areas they're going to?   

Since it's where a lot of the desire/sparkle of the deal really resides, it seems that a lot of investors (especially newbs like me) can inflate and not stay conservative/honest with their numbers.. exactly what I'm tryinggg to avoid. 

Any contractor that has an issue with this is a red flag anyway.

I know I can do better than 2.5%, so it's time for me to sell my "green house" and 1031 into a "red hotel."

If there are some red flags, don’t hesitate to request additional deposit or a co-signer.

I ran some really quick numbers and I don't think you'll be making a ton of cash flow on this property with a $1,400 mortgage payment, and would be careful with a HELOC, as that might run you into the red. 

Miami will never lose its world famous sparkle and shine.I’m not drawing any conclusion to this post.

as screwed up as Portland is politically.. the RE market like many areas is quite robust to red hot.. 

Regarding this deal in particular, it sounds like the exit strategies are limited, which is a huge red flag.

You've sought out an agent to work off market deals for you (ethical red flag and possibly not legal for an agent to do according to NAR), then they BROUGHT YOU A GREAT DEAL, and now you're concerned that they might have a motive other than your benefit?