Of course this is only one man's experience with respect to the Bay Area market so please take it with a grain of salt. 

ARV's range from $240-280. 

Which houses in that range truly compare to your house.

However, I have come across a good property or two selling at the right price...but they are usually just out of my price range.  

I'm well aware that this price range doesn't make me a big fish!

Network and market using a broad range of techniques. 

I respectfully disagree with the last post regarding umbrella limit selection.

We intend on having a separate meetup this month in our respective areas and hopefully come together mid way again in November.If you are interested, please reply to this post.

In my few experiences with DNS inspectors I have seen various personalities, ranging from a mellow, open, and easy going inspector to the other side being a "fight the system" I hate this job but it feed the family type.

I should add that part of the advantage of getting HELOCs over conventional mortgages is that you can borrow much smaller amounts, crucial for someone like me who buys houses in the 15-35K range.