Finally, an interesting property has popped up but I don't know if it would make sense in the long term.Some numbers:(I know I said HCOL and this may not appear to be that, but coming from the midwest, this was a significant jump)The avg fixer-upper single-family home is going to run us ~325k and with around $40,000 down and a 6.9% interest rate we're looking at something like $2,400 a month PITINow the duplex I mentioned would go for about 100k more and with the same down payment and interest rate we'd pay something like $3,200 a month.

The commercial lot is also vacant, on a commercial strip (mom n pop retail, banks, gas stations, etc.) 2 lots down from a moderately busy intersection in a redevelopment zone.

fbclid=IwAR3Ym8qIkzl0e19FhTBJAjcXy3gJsS-VM5-c2r4v684wIQWH5MVPIjt5xfM ... if they pass proposed regulations... there are at least three different proposals in that article...As an owner of multiple STRs here - I don't mind a $200 a year tax on them... it will probably keep out many operators that are not as serious... regulations so often end up benefitting bigger operators (eg. hotels) and hurting true mom and pops. 

You don't really have a lot of multifamily around there but I would really keep an eye out for that and if something that make sense pops up around there I would go for it. 

Have enough to float you by a few months and if a repair pops up

You can get clearances to get past square footage and other things that pop up.

Looking for advice on vetting properties that are good or bad candidates for doing a pop top on.Is there an age limit to a home that you want to stay under when doing these?

@Quiana Olsen If you google Fund & Grow their company will pop up but here's their webinar that should give you more info about what they can do for you:https://www.youtube.com/watch?

You could also lease it out for 2-3 years and as long as you have lived there for 2 years then your taxes will be zero when you sell unless we have a house appreciation pop that is off the charts that surpasses the max benefits (unlikely to happen).

I sure won't be popping up to fix a leak so property management will have to be in the budget.