Well the owner occupancy rate at roughly 66%, which is in line with the rest of the country, indicates investing here is quite possible since 1/3 of all the properties are investment properties.The DC area is actually quite affordable for a major city when measured against incomes.

s might be needed for good measure!).  

There are too many variable expenses comparing one property to another.Cash on cash return should be your primary measuring tool.

hah I mean I would be bringing a tape measure, flashlight, screwdriver & outlet checker (blanking on that name) anyway so might as well bring the whole belt!

Be mindful, that Oakland, Berkeley and Richmond have the most restrictive rent control measures in the country.The Bay Area has just had an unprecedented appreciation run.

@Anjelica Allen One thing many of us have learned on here is "unit count" is not a good measure...quality is. 

I guess it depends on how you measure things. 

We also Measure and Test the Water Quality as anyone can do for $20 with an EPA certified lab. 

Quick clarification, it should be "perc" test, shortened from percolation test, which is a method to measure how fast the local soil can absorb liquid.Just because a particular lot does not perc does not mean that all is lost.  

Here are just some examples:Loan collection reportsAll telephone collections must be recorded and kept on file, a monitoring program and training must be in place.Toll free numbers, payment books or EFT arrangements made, notices of changes of payment or address at 90 days, active accounts with contact information are confidential requiring security measures, accounting software must be verified compliant, there must be a loan resolution program in place dictating how and when complaints are transmitted, issues addressed within the required time frame, offers of any modification noted such as allowing a few more days to pay without penalty is a modification, must be recorded and portfolio servicing records must be on file in good form for examination, I could go on.....There is the law and there are matters absent of requirements or exemptions and there is then reality, you're right, third party servicers are not required for small lenders, compliance with servicing requirements are.