With our job growth and low unemployment rates compared to other markets ours is pretty strong for buy and holds not to mention your money goes further here than in most states.

I'm in the Kc market and it is a great market for buy and holds and investing with our low unemployment rates and job growth.

Keeping that track record/reputation strong is so vital to a sponsor's continual growth. 

I was swayed by the broader fundamentals in the market (pop. growth, jobs, etc.) coupled with the fact that I'm priced out of investing in Seattle.I'm hoping I've got the order of operations right here -- I figured I would start with lenders to see where I'd be in terms of budget by using the marketplace/Googling.

(With countless hours of hard work and growth along the way of course.)

Also understanding the market (i.e. population growth, employment, location, etc.) gives you a good sense of consistency even during poorer economic conditions.  

Topics include re-financing, debt repayment and/or growth strategy (when to stop), etc. 

If you're looking for fast growth, look elsewhere.

I chose the Boise/Meridian market since I read wonderful things about it and the statics/growth, etc was impressive. 

If it cash flows, and you decide to self manage to make it cash flow more, that's great, but if it doesn't cash flow without you it's probably not a deal.Option 3: Same opinion as option 2.Option 4: I like this one, but refer to option 1 about doing plenty of research and not putting all eggs in 1 basket.Option 5: (You missed this one so I figured I'd throw it in for good measure) Real estate notes, probably not in the Bay Area (though possibly if you got lucky)  You can pick a market not so inflated that still looks solid for appreciation and population growth and fund a fix and flip buy or possibly a builder (both shorter term hopefully) or a fix and flip to owner finance guy like me for a longer term safer returns.