Not all nice houses make nice rentals because of poor cash flow, some do go up in value rapidly, some do not.

I am also local here in Grand Rapids.

Soon thereafter, though, we would like to grow rapidly and acquire apartments and commercial property, both here in California and out of state.While we feel sufficiently prepared to make our first investment, we are still soaking up the knowledge generously provided by this community and through local REI clubs.

Other parts of the city continue to see rapid growth.

You also might want to liquidate your expensive properties in Miami that do not cash flow since it is unlikely that such rapid appreciation will continue for ever.  

We have good knowledge of the Grand Rapids, Michigan area (we're all from Michigan) and are thinking it would be a good place to do our first flip.3.

The rapid increase in unemployment lines up perfectly with each recession, which lines up with the boom/bust cycle in California real estate. 

@Glenn McCrorey are all the homes in Cedar Rapids?

They can be reinvested rapidly.

Ive found that being kind but firm to the previous owners results in the least amount of damage and rapid recovery of your property.