I pay my folks by the job and we both have an understanding how long it should take coming from them not me and I'm able to hold them accountable by their measures from the get go.

Revpal is a just measuring the revenue per listing in those locations. 

The US government will do what it needs to do to make home ownership attainable.On the topic of inventory, I believe the use of that term in real estate parlance is a measure of demand vs houses for sale.

If you do get in touch with the city I would advise you to learn more about the enforcement measures.

What's not to like about a stable economy with high paying jobs and relatively reasonable price points on property when measured against area incomes.

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.