I paid full, MLS retail price for it in 2003, and had the fortune of being able to put half down on it, so cash-on-cash was closer to 10%.

The fixer uppers are selling to retail buyers who tend to be much more picky and can take a lot longer to sell. 

@Joe Villeneuveanalogy is succinct with how opportunities and markets work.What hasn't been said though is that for those investors that are finding success in the Bay Area they're more than likely buying deals that are not priced at retail.

My main personal investment pursuits will be storage facilities and multifamily properties, but if the right opportunity arises for office, retail, or industrial, I will consider.Thanks for having me here, and I look forward to exploring new investment opportunities.

What if you are overpaying for the value of the property based on current rent numbers when the reality is that once this tenant leaves, expands or fails, you will have no means to generate income for the property unless you redevelop the land into better retail etc...

Lissa Dear you have enough structure on here and plenty of people to help you go at your pace!!

If it won't cash-flow, perhaps your next best bet is to attract local Flippers who specialize in rehabbing for the retail Owner-occupier market?

Even with the technology we have, buying or selling a home is a lot of paperwork and unknown processes for a typical retail buyer.  

I also have a full-time job in Retail Grocery Management.  

I have one SFR now and a small commercial retail building in a rural town with steady growth in new homes.