Ben:I"m experiencing similar issues. 

Habit for Humanity ReStore or Southeastern Salvage in Birmingham has the same products you're ordering online for a similar cost if you are trying to save money.

I’ll be handling everything (maintenance , new tenants ..etc) Anyone have a similar scenario?

Rachel, I feel like we are in very similar shoes.

Not surprisingly, most endowments and pension funds follow a similar investment plan.

Account Closed , get absolutely everything in writing before you give this to your brother.A sad thread, similar to this, is currently in the Trending Discussions list. 

Are you able to save a similar amount as you’ve upgraded or do you feel you have ample reserves at this point and thus can spend a larger % of your income?

Did you have similar problems starting out?

Many taxpayers subject to the AMT did not receive any benefit for state taxes paid, or only a partial benefit, in the year paid, and so their 1099-G amount would not be included in income, or only partially included in income, in the year the refund was received.It will be a similar story for those in the situation that you describe.Tax preparers, if they're not lazy, should not blindly pick up the 1099-G amount as income but should go back to determine exactly how much benefit the taxpayer received for state taxes paid. 

For most out of state investors Vegas isn't the answer it is similar to the inland empire but more isolated from the job centers in LA and Orange County (ie if you live in Vegas you work in Vegas)  I encourage you to look at both and possibly other markets, but if you are counting on appreciation and are planning to hold for a long time Prop 13 in CA is a nice thing to have.