Now the problem with online bidding is similar to gambling slot machines; there is an algorithm that balances the win/lose ratio (or so we think). 

I buy my sets from Lowes due to convenience and military discount. 

For three (and this part is the biggest gamble), I believe SD's future real estate market will continue to perform as it has for the past few decades. 

I'm good with leverage...I'm not Dave Ramsey...but HELOCs for investment properties...that's gambling...and the way Las Vegas builds new luxury hotels....unless you plan for it to be quick bridge money or you plan to pay off property in 6-12 months or something like that where 30year fixed financing would not make sense.

I was not a fan of the large tax break as I felt it was way too large, kind of a gamble, and how much more effective that money could have been if invested locally.  

The bulk of the deals that our investors have been buying are not directly in those Live, Work, Play areas, but are still conveniently located to them.

They do have a cost associated with them(cost for all the convenience in one software).

My tenants have been happy with the convenience as well.

This conveniently prevents fraud, as there is no financial or physical gain for dishonesty.

Small gas station/convenience store site, Contractor site- all these new houses need Plumbers, HVAC, Electricians, landscapers, Near lake- Boat/RV storage subject to zoning.