Now, if your house is in a very desirable location your could possibly get the full amount and more ...I have seen crazier stuff happen in AZ.

I work as the acquisitions guy for several flippers/rehabbers and I am looking for a more professional tool to help develop rough rehab budgets. I have created a simple excel template that I update with what is needed...

Your significant other is nervous but once you start your journey with your first house, I believe they will see your passion and desire for success and get on board.  

If you find the right property you will be invested $0 and still cash flowing close to your desired number.

I'm excited to be here.You are right, Seal Beach and Rossmoor are both great communities with desirable locations as they are conveniently located to shopping, major freeways, great schools and of course, the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

Originally posted by @Bill Croke:I'd be interested in how you evaluate these deals... especially the apartment houses Just like everyone else... income statements and desired cap rates.

"Tucson is attractive and can win in this game”Since moving to Tucson in 2007 to attend the University of Arizona (UA) it was clear that the city did not want to compete and had no desire to attract companies that could bring substantial job growth.

Every good borough has its less desirable area (next to sewage treatment perhaps) and every bad area has its safer portions. 

) - Gross Monthly Operating Income 427.50 - Monthly Operating Expenses Property Management Fees 10.00 Repairs and Maintenance 45.00 Real Estate Taxes 30.83 Rental Property Insurance 25.00 Homeowners/Property Association Fees Replacement Reserve 79.19 Utilities - Water and Sewer - Gas and Electricity - Garbage - Cable, Phone, Internet Pest Control Accounting and Legal Monthly Operating Expenses 190.02 - Net Operating Income (NOI) Total Annual Operating Income 5,130.00 - Total Annual Operating Expense 2,280.24 - Annual Net Operating Income 2,849.76 - Capitalization Rate and Valuation Desired Capitalization Rate 8.00% Property Valuation (Offer Price) 35,622.00 - Actual Purchase Price 15,000.00 Actual Capitalization Rate 19.00% - Loan Information Down Payment - Loan Amount 15,000.00 - Acquisition Costs and Loan Fees 2,000.00 Length of Mortgage (years) 20 20 Annual Interest Rate 4.250% Initial Investment 2,000.00 - Monthly Mortgage Payment (PI) 92.89 - Annual Interest 628.10 - Annual Principal 486.53 - Total Annual Debt Service 1,114.62 - Cash Flow and ROI Total Monthly Cash Flow (before taxes) 144.59 - Total Annual Cash Flow (before taxes) 1,735.14 - Cash on Cash Return (ROI) 86.76%

That's probably because the properties I'm looking into are turnkey, making them super desirable for foreign cash investors - people who can set it and forget it.Like you, I live in SF but want to invest in the East Bay.