I suspect that whatever the reason, CA experienced investors could state why it is BS.The reality is - CA RE has on average produced better return than any other state. 

Gifting equity in a house may be more trouble than it is worth if you are not near the life-time exclusion1) Potentially having to get the property appraised everytime an equity is gifted2) Having a title company update the title every time3) Exemption of the gift tax return is normally for cash gifts below the annual gift tax exclusion, you may still need to file if you gift non-cash4) If there is partial ownership over several years, having to properly pro-rate certain items such as real estate taxes, mortgage interest and rental income if the property is a rentalBest of luck 

I especially liked Matt's process of creating my business plan as it forced me to really think about it, get it right and make it easily understood by my clients.His process for the offering also made me think about transparency and other ethical issues that are required by law to be disclosed in the offering.

Selling below FMV treats the difference as a gift, requiring a gift tax return (if exceeding $19,000 in 2025).

Here are some general guidelines: Lien Position1st Position LienEquityMinimum Down Payment of 20-25% (a 30% equity to sale price is preferred)Down Payment made in certified funds and not borrowedMaximum Funding of 70% ITV (Investment to Value)SeasoningMinimum of two monthly payments already made12 months or more preferredPayer CreditCredit Score of 650 or higherNo major derogatory trade lines (No 90-180+ days delinquent, foreclosure, repossession, bankruptcy, etc.)No decline in credit since purchase of businessTermsPrefer 60 months or lessMaximum of 72 monthsNo Balloon Payment preferredCash FlowBusiness has positive cash flow1.25 debt service coverage ratio preferred.DocumentationPersonal guarantee from a creditworthy individualStandard documents including Note, Security Agreement, and UCC-1 filing.Tax Returns on the business that substantiate profit and loss statements.OtherPayment history current and verifiablePayer Interview indicating buyer is satisfied with business and comfortable making paymentsMotivation for selling the note is not a result of a deteriorating businessConsideration of high risk businesses or geographic areasIn these situations, sometimes a partial is a better option. 

I did not start buying investments for another few years as I concentrated on building my sales funnel and getting those two years of tax returns done. 

Tourism keeps short-term rentals booked, while long-term rentals offer solid returns at a lower price point with steady demand.

I understand your situation—investing in LA at today’s prices makes it tough to find solid returns.

Once pre-approved, gather your financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements.

I have also told my grandma who was getting 5% return in a CD that I would give her 6% if she lent me the money for the down payment on the last property I purchased.